In the realm of health technology assessments (HTAs), the value of Electronic Health Records (EHR) data is increasingly recognized. Despite its potential to bridge evidence gaps and enhance decision-making, several limitations necessitate a robust framework to ensure data validity and relevance. This framework, developed by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), aims to standardize the assessment of EHR data through comprehensive guidelines and practices.
Components of the ISPOR Framework
The ISPOR framework is structured around two primary components: data delineation and data fitness for purpose. Data delineation involves a thorough understanding of the dataset and its trustworthiness, achieved by examining data characteristics, provenance, and governance. This step ensures that stakeholders have a clear comprehension of the data’s origin and its custodianship, which is critical for establishing its reliability.
On the other hand, data fitness for purpose focuses on evaluating the dataset’s reliability and relevance. Reliability pertains to the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the data in answering specific questions, whereas relevance assesses the suitability of the data for decision-making processes. These evaluations help determine whether the EHR data can effectively address the questions posed by HTA developers and users.
The ISPOR SUITABILITY Checklist
To facilitate these assessments, ISPOR has introduced the SUITABILITY Checklist, a specialized tool for reporting EHR data. This checklist is designed to assist HTA agencies and policymakers in systematically evaluating the quality and applicability of EHR-derived data. By adhering to this checklist, stakeholders can improve the consistency and transparency of data reporting, ultimately enhancing the utility of EHR data in HTAs.
The report also offers strategic recommendations for HTA agencies and policymakers, aimed at improving the use of EHR-derived data over time. These recommendations address the need for ongoing updates to the framework, reflecting the rapid advancements in technology and data science.
User-Usable Inferences
– Assessing data characteristics, provenance, and governance is crucial for establishing data trustworthiness.
– Evaluating data reliability and relevance ensures that EHR data can accurately and effectively answer specific HTA questions.
– Utilizing the ISPOR SUITABILITY Checklist standardizes the reporting and assessment of EHR data, improving consistency and transparency.
– Continuous updates to the framework are necessary to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving data capabilities.
In conclusion, the ISPOR Good Practices report offers a detailed framework for assessing the suitability of EHR data in HTAs. By focusing on data delineation and fitness for purpose, and incorporating the SUITABILITY Checklist, the framework aims to enhance the validity and relevance of EHR data. The report also underscores the importance of evolving the framework to keep up with technological advancements, ensuring its ongoing applicability and utility for HTA stakeholders.
Original Article: Value Health. 2024 Jun;27(6):692-701. doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.01.019.
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