Applying a common data model to Asian databases for multinational pharmacoepidemiologic studies: opportunities and...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacoepidemiology
• Health Informatics
• Data Standardization

Background:

• Multinational pharmacoepidemiologic studies require robust data infrastructure.
• The Asian Pharmacoepidemiology Network aims to assess medication safety and effectiveness across Asia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an efficient infrastructure for multinational pharmacoepidemiologic studies in Asia.
• To convert data from multiple Asian countries into a common data model (CDM).

Main Methods:

• Data from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea were converted to the Observational Medical Outcome Partnership common data model (CDM).
• Drug codes were mapped to RxNorm and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System codes.
• Diagnosis and procedure codes were mapped to standard terminology.

Main Results:

• The CDM conversion process was completed and documented.
• Drug code mapping rates to RxNorm varied, with Japan showing a lower rate (70.7%).
• Over 90% of diagnosis and procedure codes were successfully mapped to standard terminology.

Conclusions:

• The established CDM provides a foundation for multinational pharmacoepidemiologic research in Asia.
• Challenges in terminology code mapping were identified due to variations in health systems and coding practices.