Feasibility study and methodology to create a quality-evaluateddatabase of primary care data

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To build and test a model for the collection of computerised retrospective primary care data from the UK, and to assess its quality for use in medical and pharmaceutical research. DESIGN: Collection and evaluation of sampled retrospective general practice data recording. SETTING: General practices, using the Vision practice management software in the UK. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality indicators of completeness of data recording. RESULTS: Initial audit of 236 practices indicated good recording of prescribing in all practices and a high level of completeness of recording of clinical information in many of the practices. CONCLUSIONS: In the group of practices studied, levels of recording were generally assessed to be of sufficient quality to enable a database of quality-evaluated, anonymised primary care records to be created.