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So You Have a Research Idea: A Survey of Databases Available for Plastic Surgery Research
Joshua M Adkinson1, Mia T Casale, John Y S Kim
1Chicago, Ill. From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine; and the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Illinois-Chicago School of Medicine.
Abstract:
Plastic surgery research using large databases has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. With the magnitude and breadth of information available in these databases, researchers are able to more easily answer a wide variety of research questions. This study sought to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of the relevant databases for plastic surgery research. Database information, data collection methods, acquisition details, and variable availability were collected for 19 large databases. Examples of potential future research utility were ascribed to each database based on this comprehensive analysis. With a greater understanding of the content, strengths, and limitations of these databases, researchers will be better equipped to select the most appropriate database to answer a specific research question.
