Data sources are largely broken down into three categories: EHR-based databases, administrative billing databases and speciality databases. Within each of the three categories, there are multiple databases, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. They very considerably in degrees of complexity; ranging from approachable enough for someone with access to SPSS to highly complex, demanding a high degree of SAS or R programming abilities.
We have outlined many of the various secondary databases used in health care research to help you decide which is right for your study question. Should you need additional assistance in deciding on a data source or would like help performing analyses or writing a grant which will utilize secondary data sources, please contact us.