Article

Health services researchers are using Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
electronic health record (EHR) data sources to examine the prevalence, treatment,
and outcomes of pain among Veterans in VHA care. Little guidance currently exists
on using these data; thus, findings may vary depending on the methods, data
sources, and definitions used. We sought to identify current practices in order
to provide guidance to future pain researchers. We conducted an anonymous survey
of VHA-affiliated researchers participating in a monthly national pain research
teleconference. Thirty-two researchers (89%) responded: 75% conducted
pain-focused research, 78% used pain intensity numeric rating screening scale
(NRS) scores to identify pain, 41% used International Classification of
Diseases-9th Revision codes, and 57% distinguished between chronic and acute pain
using either NRS scores or pharmacy data. The NRS and pharmacy data were rated as
the most valid pain data sources. Of respondents, 48% reported the EHR data
sources were adequate for pain research, while 45% had published peer-reviewed
articles based on the data. Despite limitations, VHA researchers are increasingly
using EHR data for pain research, and several common methods were identified.
More information on the performance characteristics of these data sources and
definitions is needed.

Langue : ANGLAIS