Enhancing evidence based medicine: Twelve tips for conducting register-based research
Hannah L Brooke,
Martin J Holzmann,
Ola Olén,
Mats Talbäck,
Maria Feychting,
Anita Berglund,
Jonas F Ludvigsson,
Rickard Ljung
Affiliations
Hannah L Brooke
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Martin J Holzmann
Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Ola Olén
Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Mats Talbäck
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Maria Feychting
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Anita Berglund
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Jonas F Ludvigsson
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York
With the increasing use of electronic health records for research, the need for clinicians to understand register-based research will become more important in the future. Based on our expertise we have compiled 12 tips for conducting register-based research. We aim to improve the subject knowledge of medical educators and those intending to critically appraise register-based studies. In addition, we aim to create a practical guide for those considering using register data in their own research. Our tips summarise characteristics of the research process specific to register-based research, from study design and ethical considerations, to validating the register and managing the data.
