Real world data--retrieval and validation of consultation data from four general practices.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to retrieve data on consultations from general practice databases and to develop and use appropriate methods of validation for these data.

METHOD

MIQUEST software was used to retrieve the data from four practices. The data were validated by comparing them with figures generated by practice-based searches, measuring the uptake of recording of consultations over time, and comparing records of consultations in the case notes with those on the practice computers.

RESULTS

The required data were retrieved from general practice databases, but the path to success was difficult, and typified by uncertainty and unpredictability. The recording of consultations on the computers of four practices was more complete than the recording in the paper case records. There was a time period in the early months of computer use when the recording of consultations was less complete. There were differences in the completeness of recording consultations between practices, doctors, and patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the potential of general practice databases for research, demonstrates how MIQUEST software can be a useful tool in retrieving data from general practice databases, and indicates how the completeness of data recording permitted further analysis for the purposes of our study.