Term: Poisson Distribution

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Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2013-10-04

Definition:

The pattern usually followed by a set of results in which the measurements are counts. It is a special case of the binomial distribution (see Negative Binomial Distribution ) in which the number of individuals is very large and the chance of one of the two possible outcomes occurring is very small (Hassard T, 1991). This distribution is based on the assumption that the variance of an outcome is equal to its mean.

Related concepts 

• Rates of Utilization
• Statistics for Large Databases

Related terms 

• Binomial Distribution
• Determination of Rates
• Modeling and Estimation of Rates
• Negative Binomial Distribution
• Offset Variable
• Poisson Regression
• Population Based Rates
• Population-Based
• Rate Event Indicators
• Rate Standardization

Links 

• California State University, San Bernadino - Mathematics Department

References 

• Hassard T. Understanding Biostatistics. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MI: Mosby-Year Book, Inc. 1991.(View)

Term used in 

• Brownell M, Chartier M, Santos R, Ekuma O, Au W, Sarkar J, MacWilliam L, Burland E, Koseva I, Guenette W. How are Manitoba's Children Doing? Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2012. [Report] [Summary] [Updates and Errata] [Additional Materials] (View)
• Chartier M, Finlayson G, Prior H, McGowan K, Chen H, de Rocquigny J, Walld R, Gousseau M. Health and Healthcare Utilization of Francophones in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2012. [Report] [Summary] (View)
• Chateau D, Doupe M, Walld R, Soodeen R, Ouelette C, Rajotte L. Projecting Personal Care Home Bed Equivalent Needs in Manitoba Through 2036. Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2012. [Report] [Summary] [Updates and Errata] (View)
• Fransoo R, Martens P, The Need to Know Team, Prior H, Burchill C, Koseva I, Rajotte L. Who is in our Hospitals.and why? Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2013. [Report] [Summary] [Additional Materials] (View)
• Katz A, Chateau D, Bogdanovic B, Taylor C, McGowan K-L, Rajotte L, Dziadek J. Physician Integrated Network: A Second Look. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2014. [Report] [Summary] [Updates and Errata] (View)
• Kraut A, Mustard C, Walld R, Tate R. Unemployment and health care utilization. Scand J Work Environ Health 2000;26(2):169-177. [Abstract] (View)
• Lix L, Yogendran M, Burchill C, Metge C, McKeen N, Moore D, Bond R. Defining and Validating Chronic Diseases: An Administrative Data Approach. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2006. [Report] [Summary] (View)
• Metge C, Chateau D, Prior H, Soodeen R, De Coster C, Barre L. Composite Measures/Indices of Health and Health System Performance. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2009. [Report] [Summary] (View)