RWE is crucial in epidemiology for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for the study of large, diverse populations over extended periods, which is often not feasible in controlled clinical trials. This helps in understanding the long-term safety and efficacy of treatments. Secondly, RWE can identify rare adverse events and subgroup analyses that might be overlooked in smaller studies. Lastly, it aids in healthcare decision-making by providing evidence that is more generalizable to the general population.