Using primary care data for research: What are the issues and potential solutions?

Abstract

Background Interest in using primary care data for research is growing with increasing recognition of its potential for improving healthcare. Many issues exist, some inherent in the data and others external. Objective This paper explores the main issues associated with the use of primary care data for research and proposed solutions to address them. Discussion Issues related to the use of primary care data for research are complex. Government reimbursement system administrative data have limitations as they lack clinical detail. General practice electronic medical record data are more suitable; however, challenges include variable data quality and interoperability. There are concerns from ge..