Population-Based Linkage of Big Data in Dental Research

Tim Joda, Tuomas Waltimo, Christiane Pauli-Magnus, Nicole Probst-Hensch and Nicola U. Zitzmann
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Tim Joda: Department of Reconstructive Dentistry, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
Tuomas Waltimo: Department of Oral Health & Medicine Dentistry, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
Christiane Pauli-Magnus: Department of Clinical Research & Clinical Trial Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
Nicole Probst-Hensch: Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute Basel, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Nicola U. Zitzmann: Department of Reconstructive Dentistry, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-5

Abstract: Population-based linkage of patient-level information opens new strategies for dental research to identify unknown correlations of diseases, prognostic factors, novel treatment concepts and evaluate healthcare systems. As clinical trials have become more complex and inefficient, register-based controlled (clinical) trials (RC(C)T) are a promising approach in dental research. RC(C)Ts provide comprehensive information on hard-to-reach populations, allow observations with minimal loss to follow-up, but require large sample sizes with generating high level of external validity. Collecting data is only valuable if this is done systematically according to harmonized and inter-linkable standards involving a universally accepted general patient consent. Secure data anonymization is crucial, but potential re-identification of individuals poses several challenges. Population-based linkage of big data is a game changer for epidemiological surveys in Public Health and will play a predominant role in future dental research by influencing healthcare services, research, education, biotechnology, insurance, social policy and governmental affairs.

Keywords: big data; patient-generated health data (PGHD); register-based controlled (clinical) trials [RC(C)T]; epidemiological research; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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