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Can researchers use NPDB data to identify trends in health care practitioner behavior over time?
While NPDB data can support certain trend analyses, researchers should note that reports in the NPDB represent specific adverse events or actions rather than continuous performance data. Trends may be observed in the aggregate data, but individual behavior patterns over time may not be accurately represented due to the episodic nature of NPDB reporting.
Other Questions You May Find Helpful
- Can researchers access confidential variables not included in the public use file (PUF)?
- Why does the NPDB not fulfill all data requests from researchers?
- Is NPDB data specifically designed for research purposes?
- Why are certain fields in NPDB data not consistently populated across reports?
