What is the primary purpose of a chart review study?

The primary purpose of a chart review study is to access data collected in patient medical charts. This method involves extracting and analyzing existing information records to identify patterns, outcomes, and associations related to health conditions or interventions. By focusing on the available data in medical records, researchers can gather insights without needing to conduct new trials or patient interviews. This approach is cost-effective and allows for a broad examination of real-world patient experiences, which might not be captured in more controlled settings like randomized trials. The data obtained from chart reviews can provide valuable epidemiological information and contribute to better understanding disease prevalence, treatment effectiveness, and healthcare practices over time.