RWD is crucial in Epidemiology for multiple reasons:
Generalizability: Unlike clinical trial data, which often comes from highly controlled environments, RWD reflects the actual experiences of diverse patient populations. Longitudinal Insights: RWD can provide longitudinal data, allowing for the study of disease progression and long-term outcomes. Cost-Effectiveness: Collecting RWD is often more cost-effective compared to conducting extensive clinical trials. Timeliness: RWD can be collected and analyzed in real-time, aiding in the rapid response to emerging public health threats.