Physicians

Health data collected can be used for research, quality improvement, secondary data analysis and more. Here are some examples of how research teams and using the secure de-identified UTOPIAN database to answer important questions in primary care:

• End-Digit Preference – an observation of Blood Pressure

Researchers from North York General Hospital and the University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine found variation in blood pressure recorded with a manual manometer and a digital blood pressure monitor. There was a preference for rounding up the last digit of blood pressure recorded using a manual device, whereas the digital measurement was accurately recorded. 

• Data Presentation Tool – quality improvement

The Data Presentation Tool (DPT) is a unique online tool which allows physicians and family practice clinics to answer clinical questions regarding their patient population. The DPT uses the cleaned, coded, and standardized data which belongs in the UOPIAN Data Safe Haven allowing physicians to search their patient database in a de-identified manner. This is extremely useful when trying to evaluate trends in practice and improve the delivery of care. For example, a physician may want to know how many of their patients with type 2 diabetes are receiving appropriate care according to Ministry guidelines. The physicians can then identify patients not receiving complete care, and improve the care provided for those patients.