The role and limitations of electronic medical records versus patient interviews for determining symptoms of, underlying comorbidities of, and medication use by patients with COVID-19

• DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwae079
• Publication Date: 2024-05-22T11:22:28Z
• Authors: Raymond A Soto; Grace M Vahey; Kristen E Marshall; Emily McDonald; Rachel Herlihy; Helen M Chun; Marie E Killerby; Breanna Kawasaki; Claire M Midgley; Nisha B Alden; Jacqueline E Tate; J Erin Staples; Colorado Investig...
• Keywords: Medical record; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Health records; Electronic medical record

Abstract Electronic medical records (EMRs) are important for rapidly compiling information to determine disease characteristics (eg, symptoms) and risk factors underlying comorbidities, medications) disease-related outcomes. To assess EMR data accuracy, agreement between abstractions patient interviews was evaluated. Symptoms, history, medication use among patients with COVID-19 collected from EMRs were compared using overall (ie, same answer in interview), reported (yes both interview those who yes either), κ statistics. Overall, more symptoms than abstractions. Overall high (≥50% 20 of 23 symptoms), but only subjective fever dyspnea had ≥50%. The statistics generally low. Reported conditions greater all condition categories (n = 10 10) having ≥50% half 5 agreement. More nonprescription medications abstractions, leading low (28%). Discordance observed symptoms, interviews. Investigations describe clinical identify should consider the potential incomplete data, particularly medications.