Table 1.

Methodological principle

Study design clearly described

Administrative database comparative study

Administrative database case-control study

Administrative database case series

Why database was created clearly stated

Description of database’s inclusion/exclusion criteria

Description of methods for reducing bias in database

Codes and search algorithms reported

Rationale for coding algorithm reported

Code accuracy reported

Code validity reported

Clinical significance assessed

Is the period of data consistent with the outcome data?

Statement regarding whether data stems from single or multiple hospital admissions

Statement regarding whether data stems from single or multiple procedures

Accounting for clustering

Adapted from Hashimoto et al. Administrative database studies: Goldmine or goose chase?

Evid Based Spine Care J 2014;5:74–6.