|
|
|
|
|
AIS - Verification |
| |
| One major
advantage of THIN Data is the ability to gain access to
anonymised original medical records to confirm diagnoses on
the electronic record and to elicit further information on
patients. Additional Information Services (AIS), formerly
known as Comasco, have many years’ experience in liaison with
data providers to obtain these records on behalf of
researchers. After being approached by AIS, GPs return the
required information, depersonalised and labelled with the
patient identification number. Such a facility is normally
limited to those patients who remain registered at the
practice, as the notes may not be retained by the practice
when a patient moves elsewhere. |
|
| The following
information or documents can be requested from participating
GPs after ethical approval is received: - |
|
|
|
|
Copies of
patient-related correspondence or other documentation |
 |
|
Questionnaires
completed by the patient or the GP |
|
|
|
An opinion or
confirmation from the doctor about a specific diagnosis in
the electronic record (usually by way of questionnaire) |
|
|
|
A specified
intervention e.g. a laboratory test or blood pressure
recording or an intervention to confirm diagnosis |
|
|
|
Death
certificates, or information required to confirm the cause
of death |
|
|
| Other than
ensuring depersonalisation, no modifications are made by AIS.
Occasionally delays may occur in obtaining information from
practices. Please note that |
|
|
|
Health
Authorities tend to destroy manually entered patient notes
after around three years. |
|
|
|
|
doctors who
contribute data to the THIN Data are under no obligation
to participate in the validation process. |
|
|
For further
information on this service contact
Anne Costello or
Shobhna Koria. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
from
The Health Improvement Network
1 Canal Side Studios
8-14 St Pancras Way
London
NW1 0QG, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7388 8215 |
|
