Large datasets: common uses and caveats

Increasingly, large collections of pre-existing data are being used to analyze the occurrence, burden, and health care resources directed to the management of various skin diseases.

This article discusses a number of different types of large datasets along with their common uses. Various concerns about the use of this information are also discussed.

Although large datasets provide significant statistical power with readily available data, there are significant concerns, particularly regarding data quality and statistical analysis. Readers need to be aware of how an investigator has addressed these issues. Furthermore, the profession needs to be cognizant of very legitimate public concerns regarding confidentiality of personal information.