In biomedical research, retrospective chart review plays a pivotal role as it can provide valuable information that can facilitate healthcare organizations in improving patient care. Over time, the need for value-based care has risen a lot, and quality analysis of patient data can prove to be a major factor in providing significant medical facilities to patients. For instance, retrospective review is conducted to gather information, assess the quality of care provided, and extract data for research or evaluation. This information can be used to prepare robust and accurate RADV audits. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide to the basics of retrospective chart review.
What Is Retrospective Chart Review?
Retrospective chart reviews are primarily used in healthcare research to inquire into treatment outcomes, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and identify trends or patterns in patient populations. It is also known as a medical record review. This primarily aims to gain insights into patient care, treatment outcomes, or specific medical conditions. It can be used for various purposes, such as quality improvement, research, auditing, or assessing compliance with clinical guidelines. During retrospective chart review, researchers collect data from patients’ medical records. After this, the data is analyzed to answer specific research questions or to evaluate the quality of care provided.
Best Practices to Ensure Accuracy and Validity in Retrospective Chart Reviews
To prepare robust and accurate retrospective chart reviews, you need a strategy that considers the best possible approaches and a step-by-step guide. Here, we discussed some of the best practices that you can inculcate:-
Table of Contents
Specify Your Research Question and Hypotheses
Specifying the research question is crucial as it will aid in determining what data needs to be collected and analyzed further. Determine the variables on which data will be collected and the time frame you will focus on. For example, what is the reason for infection in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery in ABC hospital between 2019 and 2020?
Defining relevant and appropriate variables of interest at this stage is imperative to extract valuable information from the review.
Figure Out Sample Size and Sampling Strategy
To make the most out of your retrospective review studies, sampling is crucial, and it simply refers to the method through which records or cases are chosen from the target population or database. Convenience, Quota, and systematic sampling are the commonly used methods in retrospective chart reviews.
Besides, inclusion and exclusion criteria are also critical in determining the sample size and sampling strategy. Inclusion criteria encompass factors such as age, gender, diagnosis, and treatment, while exclusion criteria include comorbidities, previous surgeries, or incomplete medical records.
Data Collection
Collect data from their medical records after identifying sample data and sampling strategy. This may comprise medical history, demographic data, imaging studies, laboratory results, and treatment information. Apart from this, it is indispensable that the data you collect should be standard so that the scope of errors can be minimized and the reliability of your findings can be enhanced.
Design a Database and Gather the Data
To answer the research question and hypothesis, collect the data and develop a database to access and comprehend information in later research easily. There can be many data collection options, such as preparing a Microsoft Excel or using coding language.
Data Analysis
After data collection, it is crucial to analyze it through appropriate measures and statistical methods. Some prominent methods may include descriptive statistics such as means, medians, and standard deviations. Moreover, inferential statistics, such as t-tests, chi-square, and regression analysis, can also be used as a statistical method.
Interpret your Findings
Once the data analysis is done, interpret your findings regarding the research questions. This step may include comparing results to existing guidelines, determining potential variables, and reviewing the impacts of your findings on patient care and future research.
Address Limitations
Acknowledging and addressing any limitations of your retrospective chart review is imperative. This may include selection bias, data missing, or potent variables. Discussing these limitations or issues and their potential impact on findings helps enhance the reliability and validity of your research.
Final Thoughts
A retrospective chart review can facilitate valuable patient care or public health insights. It is valuable for gathering and analyzing healthcare data from patient records to support various clinical and research objectives. It offers insights into past medical care practices and outcomes, helping healthcare providers and researchers make informed decisions and improve patient care. Furthermore, following a robust step-by-step guide helps you reap the maximum benefits of your retrospective chart review.