Perinatal Problem Identification Program v2
Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains answers to common questions directed to us by users of PPIP v2, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions. Please contact the Webmaster if you want other questions and answers posted here.
- How do I set up my data pyramid?
- Why can I not change the list of codes?
- How should I use the 'Default data analysis dates'?
- How can I calculate the Low Birth Weight Rate?
- Why does the PPIP window seem to be too large for my screen?
- How do I register PPIP?
How do I set up my Data Pyramid?
Firstly, take some time to design your data pyramid on paper. Remember that each level on your data pyramid does not have to be a physical health facility, but may also be a logical grouping of different facilities. You don't have to enter data in a data set, but may include it in your data pyramid purely to enable data analysis of a combination of data sets. Be sure, though, that your data pyramid reflects your real-life situation, where higher levels usually reflect progressively larger geographic areas.
Once you have decided on a data pyramid layout, recreate your ideas on PPIP. This movie displays the steps to go through to create a new data set. It is easier to create your data pyramid top-down, so enter the top level data set first. When you create a data set, you identify the higher level data set, which places it one level down in the data set. Therefore, if the higher level data set has already been added, you can place the new data set in its place right from the start.
Open the File menu, then select View data pyramid to have a look at your current data pyramid setup.
Why can I not change the list of codes?
PPIP specifically does not allow users to edit the list of codes. One of the powerful abilities of PPIP is the amalgamation of data from different data sets, to expand the individual user's data set and thus take wide-angle snapshot of as large an area as you want.
Because PPIP only saves the codes in its data files, not the description, it is clear that, if every user could change the codes he or she uses to identify causes of death and avoidable factors, it will make any analysis of this data by anyone else impossible, as the codes will now point to different causes of death or avoidable factors.
If you see specific conditions or avoidable factors in your practice on a regular basis for which codes do not exist, please contact us. The code lists are updated from time to time and distributed to all registered users.
How should I use the 'default data analysis dates'?
When you open any data analysis window, a specific data analysis is done for you. If you have not selected which dates to include when the windows open, all available data will be included.
If you want to do a number of data analyses (which means you are going to open a number of data analysis windows) but you want to include only certain months (not all the available data), you can set the default data analysis dates before you open the data analyses. Only the selected dates will be included in the analyses without you having to set the correct dates for each window.
The same is true for the data calculation method; PPIP will always use your default data calculation method (as defined in the Program setup), unless you specify a current default before opening the data analysis windows.
To define your default dates and data calculation method, select Data analysis -> Select default data analysis dates from the Main menu, or click on the Default dates button.
The Set default data analysis dates clip demonstrates the selection of the default dates and data calculation method.
How can I calculate the Low Birth Weight Rate?
PPIP allows automatic calculation of the Low Birth Weight Rate. Open the Data analysis toolbar, then click on the Total deliveries group button to open this group of data analysis buttons. Click on Totals to display an analysis of the total number of births in the currently selected data set.
On the top right of this window is a Selected birth weight categories analysis. Check all the birth weight category boxes other than 2,500g+. The number of births and percentage of the Low Birth Weight category will now be displayed.
In the same way, by leaving more birth weight categories unselected, you can look at the deliveries in the Very Low Birth Weight and Extremely Low Birth Weight categories as well.
Why does the PPIP window seem to be too large for my screen?
PPIP has been designed for a minimum screen resolution of 1,024 x 768. This resolution allows PPIP sufficient space on the screen to display the data analysis windows. For this reason the size of the program window cannot be decreased beyond a set minimum.
If you already use a screen resolution of 1,024 x 768 or more and still find that the program window appears too large, you should check your computer's display setting. The DPI setting should be set to Normal (96 dpi).
How do I register PPIP?
When you apply for a licence to use PPIP, you will be supplied with a user name (which you choose when applying) as well as a 16-character licence code. The code will consist of 16 upper case letters in four groups, separated by dashes. (E.g.. AAAA-BBBB-CCCC-DDDD)
Both the user name and licence code should be entered in PPIP. Select Help on the Main menu, then click on Register this copy of PPIP. On the Enter registration detail tab, enter the licensing information exactly as supplied - both entry fields are case sensitive, and no additional spaces should be entered. When you close this window, a confirmation will be displayed if you managed to enter the licence detail correctly. Close and reopen PPIP.
The most common reason for failure of this procedure is incorrect entry of the licence detail! Should an error message be displayed after you have entered the user name and licence code, please try again while taking great care to enter both fields correctly. If you are still unsuccessful, please contact Simply Software.
Further questions?
PPIP includes a complete, context sensitive Help file. Click on the Help button on any page, or press F1.
Still no joy? Feel free to contact Simply Software by email. Be sure to include as much detail about your problem as you possibly can!