Feasibility study and methodology to create a quality-evaluated database of primary care data.

OBJECTIVES To build and test a model for the collection of computerised retrospective primary care data from the UK, and to assess its quality for use in medical and pharmaceutical research. DESIGN Collection and evaluation of sampled retrospective general practice data recording. SETTING General practices, using the Vision practice management software in the UK. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quality indicators of completeness of data recording. RESULTS Initial audit of 236 practices indicated good recording of prescribing in all practices and a high level of completeness of recording of clinical information in many of the practices. CONCLUSIONS In the group of practices studied, levels of recording were generally assessed to be of sufficient quality to enable a database of quality-evaluated, anonymised primary care records to be created.