Database Management

摘要

Data management is essential for health services research. Data sources such as inpatient records, insurance claims, and large national surveys form the basis for majority of research studies addressing questions related to health care access, delivery and outcomes. The purpose of these secondary data sources is generally not specific to the myriad studies that use them. Therefore, steps such as recoding, and merging of data sources, are necessary. In addition, for both secondary and primary sources of data, research ethics require measures to ensure data integrity and security. Because research results are only as reliable as the data supporting it, these data management activities serve as the engine upon which reliable research depends. Yet, funding and staffing database management within new centers of research can be challenging. Research centers within non-research intensive institutions face the added challenge of building subject expertise in addition to technical expertise. This article will provide guidelines for establishing a data management unit within a new center of research. Funding and staffing mechanisms and the importance of mentoring and collaboration will be discussed.