Leveraging ‘Big Data’ – Methodological Considerations in Health Services Research

While administrative claims and other data have been available in health services research for a relatively long period of time, there has been an upswing in interest regarding the use of these ‘big data’ for comparisons of interventions under actual practice conditions.

By combining today’s powerful computer technology with the plethora of data available in the digital era, ‘big data’ holds significant promise for identifying optimal interventions for specific patient populations. For pharmaceutical, device, or diagnostic manufacturers, this can mean conducting comparative effectiveness research in a more cost effective manner and with shorter timeframes than traditional prospective research.

However, given these data are often collected for reasons other than the specific research project being considered, there are also limitations and potential pitfalls when analyzing existing data that must be incorporated into analysis plans.

The objective of this webinar is to review types of datasets commonly used in this field, discuss potential pros & cons of each type depending on research question, and identify other key considerations

Speaker

Pamela Landsman-Blumberg, MPH, DrPH, Director, Xcenda

Pamela Landsman-Blumberg is a Director of Applied Data Analytics at Xcenda with over 20 years experience conducting HEOR studies in patterns and outcomes of care, burden of illness, identification of treatment gaps and at-risk populations, impact of pharmacy benefit changes, and workforce health and productivity. Her study data include prospective collection, national surveys, chart reviews, EMRs, claims, HRAs, disability, and workers’ compensation.

She has particular interest in oncology research including solid and hematologic cancers and supportive therapy. Other areas include allergy, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, mental health, orthopedics, ophthalmology, vaccines, and women’s health. Co-authoring over 40 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, she also reviews for journals such as JAMA, AJPB, AJMC, and Medical Care, and regularly presents at clinical and methodological congresses.

Dr. Blumberg has an MPH in biostatistics from the University of North Carolina and a DrPH in health policy and management from the University of Michigan’s Pew Doctoral Program .

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