Health systems capture a wide array of data on an ongoing basis. However, data collected for administrative purposes can be very useful for patient-oriented research. These administrative databases are often referred to as “Real-World Evidence (RWE)” and can be used to explore a number of topics that are relevant to patients, health systems, and payers.

Across most health system databases, researchers are able to identify populations of interest using a validated, condition-specific case definition or algorithm, which allows patients to be identified using disease-specific codes (ICD-9/ICD-10 codes) or prescription codes (drug identification numbers).

Patient information such as demographics, comorbidities and prescription drug claims can be analyzed as well as key outcomes to determine the burden of health care utilization:

• Hospitalizations
• Length of stay
• Readmissions
• Mortality
• Costs

Administrative data can be used to describe, explain, and even predict health outcomes. To learn about administrative data available in Alberta, contact the experienced biostatisticians at Medlior.