Assessing the methodological quality of retrospective research protocols

Medical records are informal collections of impressions and observations that contain both objective and subjective information attained during the patient care process. They are not designed or created for research but frequently are used for this secondary purpose. While chart review studies tend to be inexpensive, relatively easily performed, and do not generally require specialized equipment, there are limitations to this type of study [1]. Information in medical charts is usually at least two steps removed from the patient with clinicians recording patient information, often with an intermediate transcription, followed by the chart abstractor recording data [2].
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research