Stroke Research Using Administrative Claims Database in Japan: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Informatics
• Public Health

Background:

• Administrative claims databases are emerging tools for clinical research in Japan.
• Limited information exists on their specific application in stroke research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review stroke studies utilizing Japanese administrative databases.
• To analyze the applications and limitations of the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC), National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups (NDB), and commercial databases in stroke research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE for stroke studies published by April 2024.
• Studies using DPC, NDB, and commercial databases were identified and analyzed.
• Databases were compared based on comprehensiveness, data traceability, baseline information, and outcome assessment capabilities.

Main Results:

• 114 studies were included: 83 (DPC), 6 (NDB), 25 (commercial).
• DPC is suitable for short-term outcomes due to detailed data but limited for long-term studies.
• NDB offers potential for long-term studies but faces data access challenges; commercial databases have limitations in generalizability (e.g., age restrictions).

Conclusions:

• Administrative claims databases are underutilized in Japanese stroke research.
• Researchers must comprehend the specific strengths and weaknesses of each database for optimal use.