Overview
Dataset Summary
Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, such as Epic and Oracle Health, are used by healthcare providers to document and manage patient care electronically.
EMRs contain longitudinal digital charts that include medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, laboratory and imaging results, procedures, and clinical notes. These systems provide rich, real-world clinical data that can support clinical research, quality improvement, and health services research. Accessing EMR data for research typically requires institutional approvals, compliance with privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA), and collaboration with informatics or data analytics teams.
Caveats
- Variability in documentation practices across providers and institutions may affect data consistency.
- Data completeness and accuracy can vary; missing or miscoded data are common challenges.
- Interoperability limitations may restrict linkage across systems or institutions.
- Research use requires adherence to privacy regulations and institutional review processes.
- Data extraction methods range from manual chart review to complex database queries and may require specialized expertise.
Examples of Outcomes Examined
- Hospital readmission and length of stay
- Medication adherence and prescribing patterns
- Clinical quality metrics and performance indicators
- Care coordination and follow-up
- Mortality and procedure outcomes
- Health disparities
- Clinician practice patterns and efficiency
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