Classification performance characteristics of administrative database code algorithms for major diagnoses as derived from systematic reviews of validation studies

The REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely-collected health Data (RECORD) statement

Abstract: Routinely collected health data, obtained for administrative and clinical purposes without specific a priori research goals, are increasingly used for research. The rapid evolution and availability of these data have revealed issues not addressed by existing reporting guidelines, such as Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). The REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely collected health Data (RECORD) statement was created to fill these gaps. RECORD was created as an extension to the STROBE statement to address reporting items specific to observational studies using routinely collected health data. RECORD consists of a checklist of 13 items related to the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion section of articles, and other information required for inclusion in such research reports. This document contains the checklist and explanatory and elaboration information to enhance the use of the checklist. Examples of good reporting for each RECORD checklist item are also included herein. This document, as well as the accompanying website and message board (http://www.record-statement.org), will enhance the implementation and understanding of RECORD. Through implementation of RECORD, authors, journals editors, and peer reviewers can encourage transparency of research reporting. 

Use of administrative data to increase the practicality of clinical trials: Insights from the Women's Health Initiative

Background: To reduce research costs in the context of pragmatic trials, consideration is given to using administrative data (Medicare claims) to ascertain clinical outcomes.

Methods: In the historical context of the Women's Health Initiative, the correspondence between selected cardiovascular events derived from Medicare claims were compared to those documented and adjudicated in this large-scale prevention trial.

Results: Classification performance varies somewhat by type of outcome but hazard ratios and confidence intervals derived from the two data sources were quite comparable.

Conclusions: These encouraging results provided the needed support to launch a new embedded pragmatic trial of physical activity that will rely heavily on Medicare claims to ascertain cardiovascular disease incidence in the majority of those randomized.