Optimum Designs for Large Database Research in Musculoskeletal Pain Management
Nicholas A. Bedard, Andrew J. Schoenfeld, Seoyoung C. Kim
Abstract
➢ In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in musculoskeletal pain-management research involving the use of large databases such as administrative health-care claims and clinical registries. ➢ These datasets can be powerful tools for researchers. However, research utilizing health data collected without a specific a priori research question in place is particularly sensitive to study design, and there are many pitfalls that researchers can encounter when working with large databases in the arena of musculoskeletal pain management. ➢ Here, we present optimal design strategies specific to musculoskeletal pain-management research utilizing large datasets and identify directions for future research in this area.