What Are the Limitations of Using Outpatient Data in Epidemiology?
While outpatient data is invaluable, it has its limitations: - Selection Bias: Patients who visit outpatient settings may not be representative of the general population. - Incomplete Data: Information may be missing or incomplete, affecting the reliability of the data. - Variability in Recording: Differences in how data is recorded across facilities can lead to inconsistencies. - Access to Care: Socioeconomic factors may influence who seeks outpatient care, introducing potential biases.
