An introduction to epidemiological research with medical databases.

In most regards, database research is like any other epidemiological endeavor: excellent research can be conducted, but there are many potential difficulties. Training in appropriate epidemiological and statistical methodology, together with knowledge of the databases and their coding systems, is likely to magnify the advantages of databases and also minimize the potential problems. As in all epidemiological investigations, the quality of the data and the methodology employed need to be carefully considered in the context of the research questions at hand.