Duszynski K M, Beilby J J, Marley J E, Walker D C, Pratt N L
Data Analysis Unit, Department of General Practice, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia 5005, Australia.
Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2001 Dec;10(7):587-94. doi: 10.1002/pds.629.
Observational databases are increasingly acknowledged for their value in clinical investigation. Australian general practice in particular presents an exciting opportunity to examine treatment in a natural setting. The paper explores issues such as privacy and confidentiality--foremost considerations when conducting this form of pharmacoepidemiological research. Australian legislation is currently addressing these exact issues in order to establish clear directives regarding ethical concerns. The development of a pharmacoepidemiological database arising from the integration of computerized Australian general practice records is described in addition, to the challenges associated with creating a database which considers patient privacy. The database known as 'Medic-GP', presently contains more than 950,000 clinical notes (including consultations, pathology, diagnostic imaging and adverse reactions) over a 5-year time period and relates to 55,000 patients. The paper then details a retrospective study which utilized the database to examine the interaction between antibiotic prescribing and patient outcomes from a community perspective, following a policy intervention. This study illustrates the application of computerized general practice records in research.
