Reliability and Validity of Data Sources for Outcomes Research and Disease and Health Management Programs

This handbook for practioners, payers, decision makers, and students provides an overview of the sources of data for conducting ‘real-world’ outcomes research. It is a primer written by leading experts in the field who have worked first hand with these types of data. The reader will learn how to use and assess the reliability and validity of electronic health records, medical charts, claims and medication databases, alternative population-based data sources, and patient-reported outcomes, as well as other self-reported data. This handbook provides an overview of the sources of data for conducting ‘real-world’ outcomes research. The reader will learn how to use and assess the reliability and validity of electronic health records, medical charts, claims and medication databases, alternative population-based data sources, and patient-reported outcomes, as well as other self-reported data. Each section describes the challenges to using different data sources and how to overcome them. Methods used to conduct outcomes research and approaches for experimental and retrospective research designs are described with examples from practice. The ISPOR Health and Disease Management Special Interest Group developed this handbook as resource to improve the evidence base in health care studies with the ultimate goal of better patient outcomes and lower health care costs.