Epidemiologists rely on varied data sources to gather comprehensive information. Some common sources include:
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Surveys: Structured questionnaires aimed at collecting data on health behaviors, conditions, and other relevant metrics from specific populations.
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Administrative Data: Data collected during the administration of services, such as hospital records, insurance claims, and public health registries.
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Electronic Health Records (EHR): Digital version of patients' paper charts, providing detailed medical histories.
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Vital Statistics: Records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces often maintained by government agencies.
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Surveillance Systems: Continuous, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice.
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Clinical Trials: Research studies performed on patients that follow a predefined protocol to evaluate medical, surgical, or behavioral interventions.
