The Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) has long been a cornerstone for Epidemiological research. Researchers at karolinska institute has published a new review examining the validity of the register and found that it is good for most diagnoses and very good for surgical processes.

A Previous review was conducted in 2010 but only involved inpatint care. The new review also includes specialized outpatient care, providing a more complete picture of the validity of the npr.

Published in the European Journal of EpidemiologyThe Researchers Conducted Systematic Searches in Medical Databases and Collected Reports from Members of the Swedish Epidemiological Associal Association to identify all Studies Validating Diagnoses and Procedure Codes in In Inpatient Care Since 2010 and All Studies Validating Specialized Outpatint Care. Additional, Results from Register Validation Work Carried Out by the National Board of Health and Welfare Are Summarized.

“Our review shows that the swedish national patient Register has good diagnostic accuracy for most diagnoses and very good accuration for sugical processes, but with significant in ppv and Sensitivity Depending on Diagnosis, Coding Definitions, Reference Standards, and Data Sources, “Says åsa evar, DOCENT at the Department of Medicine Solna and the First Author of the article.

The register has become more complete over time. The degree of underreporting is currently low, although it is higher amn private health care provides and for specific variables such as Drug Administration.

“Longitudinal Comparisons of Incidence or Prevalence are affected by changes in completeness. It is important Olén, the last author of the study and professor at the department of medicine solna.

The review emphasizes the value of the npr whose white highlighting limitations to ensure it remains an important Resource for Epidemiological Research Both in Sweden and Internationally.