Reassessing the methods of medical record review studies in emergency medicine research.

摘要: Study objective An assessment of the methods medical record review studies published in emergency medicine journals during a 5-year period ending 1993 provided strategies for improvements. We assess and quantify current methodologic quality using guidelines compare these results among with those 10 years previously. Methods Independent, systematic searches identified all 2003. Methodology assessments each selected study were conducted independently by 2 other researchers, disagreements resolved arbitration. Results 79 (14%) 563 original research articles 6 journals. The highest adherence to standards was found sampling method (99%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 93% 100%), lowest abstractor blinding hypothesis (4%; CI 1% 11%). Interobserver agreement 12 criteria ranged from 57% 95%. A comparison ago revealed significant improvements 3 8 assessed: data abstraction forms, mentioning interobserver performance, testing performance. Conclusion Medical continue comprise substantial proportion literature. Important are noted some criteria, but remains below 50% 7 assessed.