The Intego database: background, methods and basic results of a Flemish general practice-based continuous morbidity...

Area of Science:

• General Practice and Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Epidemiological Research

Background:

• The Intego network is Belgium's sole operational computerized morbidity registration system.
• It utilizes data collected routinely from electronic health records of over 90 general practitioners.
• This system provides a foundation for ongoing health data collection in primary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and methodologies employed within the Intego network.
• To present initial findings from the collected general practice data.
• To highlight the network's capabilities in health data analysis.

Main Methods:

• Description of data collection processes within the Intego network.
• Explanation of quality control procedures for ensuring data accuracy.
• Discussion of ethical-legal frameworks and statistical methods applied.

Main Results:

• Longitudinal data from 285,357 patients, representing 2.3% of the Flemish population.
• Comprehensive dataset including over 3 million diagnoses, 12 million drug prescriptions, and 29 million laboratory tests.
• Data is representative of the Flemish population by age and sex.

Conclusions:

• Intego provides a unique Belgian platform for routine data comparison on health parameters.
• The network facilitates the analysis of incidence and prevalence rates across various subgroups.
• It enables routine reporting on laboratory results and prescribed medications.