Table 2.
Characteristics of analyzed RCD study sample
| Characteristics | Studies, n (%) |
|---|---|
| Studies (n) | 124 (100) |
| Number of routine data sources | |
| Single data source | 74 (59.7) |
| 2 data sources | 24 (19.4) |
| 3 data sources | 9 (7.3) |
| 4 data sources | 9 (7.3) |
| 5 or more data sources | 8 (6.5) |
| Type of routine dataa | |
| Administrative data, not health | 26 (21.0) |
| Administrative health data | 40 (32.3) |
| Prescription data | 13 (10.5) |
| Other administrative health data | 37 (29.8) |
| EMR/EHR | 19 (15.3) |
| Registry | 70 (56.5) |
| Disease registry | 64 (51.6) |
| Device registry | 7 (5.6) |
| Other | 14 (12.1) |
| Area of research | |
| Clinical/medical | 25 (20.2) |
| Epidemiology | 91 (73.4) |
| Other or both areas | 8 (6.5) |
| Statistical analyses | |
| Multivariable analysesa | 81 (65.3) |
| Propensity scoresa | 5 (4.0) |
| Other or purely descriptive | 43 (34.7) |
| Type of condition | |
| Cancer | 35 (28.2) |
| Cardiovascular disease | 17 (13.7) |
| Endocrinology | 6 (4.8) |
| Nephrology | 3 (2.4) |
| Neurology/psychiatry | 10 (8.1) |
| Other or healthy participants | 53 (42.7) |
| Citation impact | |
| IF 2012 (median, IQR) (range), n = 118 | 3.12 (2.16; 4.16) [0.15–25.12] |
| Citations (median, IQR) (range), n = 124 | 5 (2; 10.5) [0–68] |
| Endorsement of STROBE | 17 (13.7) |
Abbreviations: STROBE, STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology; RCD, routinely collected data; EMR, electronic medical record; EHR, electronic health record; IF, impact factor; IQR, interquartile range.
Citations up to February 2015 as of ISI Web of Knowledge (all databases); STROBE endorsement as of March 2016.
a
More than one category may apply.