Equivalence of electronic health record data for measuring hypertension prevalence: a retrospective comparison to BRFSS with data from two Indiana health systems, 2021

Abstract Background Public health surveillance requires timely access to actionable data at every level. Current approaches for accessing chronic disease surveillance data are not sufficient, and health departments are increasingly looking to augment surveillance efforts using electronic health reco...

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Main Authors: Katie S. Allen, Justin Stiles, Veronica M. Daye, Ashley Wiensch, Nimish Valvi, Brian E. Dixon
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-04-01
Series:BMC Public Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22425-9
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author Katie S. Allen
Justin Stiles
Veronica M. Daye
Ashley Wiensch
Nimish Valvi
Brian E. Dixon
author_facet Katie S. Allen
Justin Stiles
Veronica M. Daye
Ashley Wiensch
Nimish Valvi
Brian E. Dixon
author_sort Katie S. Allen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Public health surveillance requires timely access to actionable data at every level. Current approaches for accessing chronic disease surveillance data are not sufficient, and health departments are increasingly looking to augment surveillance efforts using electronic health records (EHRs). While proven effective for acute syndromic surveillance, the utilization of EHR systems and health data networks for monitoring chronic conditions remains sparse. This study tested the generalizability of a previously validated hypertension computable phenotype. Methods A previously developed phenotype was used to estimate prevalence of hypertension in a geographically and clinically distinct region from its development. To test validity, the results were compared to available, statewide Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data using the two one-sided t-test (TOST) of equivalence between BRFSS- and EHR-based prevalence estimates. The TOST was performed at the overall level as well as stratified by age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Results Compared to statewide hypertension prevalence of 34.5% in the BRFSS, an EHR-based phenotype estimated an overall prevalence of 24.1%. Estimates were not equivalent overall or across most subpopulations. Like BRFSS, we observed higher prevalence among Black men and women as well as increasing prevalence with age. Conclusion With caveats, this study demonstrates that EHR-derived prevalence estimates may serve as a complement for population-based survey estimates. Utilizing available EHR data should increase timeliness of surveillance as well as enhance the ability of states and local health agencies to more readily address the burden of chronic disease in their respective jurisdictions.
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spelling doaj-art-cfe0b56fbfac4de3a590d476d941e7342025-08-20T03:08:09ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-04-012511810.1186/s12889-025-22425-9Equivalence of electronic health record data for measuring hypertension prevalence: a retrospective comparison to BRFSS with data from two Indiana health systems, 2021Katie S. Allen0Justin Stiles1Veronica M. Daye2Ashley Wiensch3Nimish Valvi4Brian E. Dixon5Regenstrief Institute, IncRegenstrief Institute, IncIndiana Department of HealthRegenstrief Institute, IncBall State UniversityRegenstrief Institute, IncAbstract Background Public health surveillance requires timely access to actionable data at every level. Current approaches for accessing chronic disease surveillance data are not sufficient, and health departments are increasingly looking to augment surveillance efforts using electronic health records (EHRs). While proven effective for acute syndromic surveillance, the utilization of EHR systems and health data networks for monitoring chronic conditions remains sparse. This study tested the generalizability of a previously validated hypertension computable phenotype. Methods A previously developed phenotype was used to estimate prevalence of hypertension in a geographically and clinically distinct region from its development. To test validity, the results were compared to available, statewide Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data using the two one-sided t-test (TOST) of equivalence between BRFSS- and EHR-based prevalence estimates. The TOST was performed at the overall level as well as stratified by age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Results Compared to statewide hypertension prevalence of 34.5% in the BRFSS, an EHR-based phenotype estimated an overall prevalence of 24.1%. Estimates were not equivalent overall or across most subpopulations. Like BRFSS, we observed higher prevalence among Black men and women as well as increasing prevalence with age. Conclusion With caveats, this study demonstrates that EHR-derived prevalence estimates may serve as a complement for population-based survey estimates. Utilizing available EHR data should increase timeliness of surveillance as well as enhance the ability of states and local health agencies to more readily address the burden of chronic disease in their respective jurisdictions.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22425-9Public health surveillancePublic healthChronic conditions
spellingShingle Katie S. Allen
Justin Stiles
Veronica M. Daye
Ashley Wiensch
Nimish Valvi
Brian E. Dixon
Equivalence of electronic health record data for measuring hypertension prevalence: a retrospective comparison to BRFSS with data from two Indiana health systems, 2021
BMC Public Health
Public health surveillance
Public health
Chronic conditions
title Equivalence of electronic health record data for measuring hypertension prevalence: a retrospective comparison to BRFSS with data from two Indiana health systems, 2021
title_full Equivalence of electronic health record data for measuring hypertension prevalence: a retrospective comparison to BRFSS with data from two Indiana health systems, 2021
title_fullStr Equivalence of electronic health record data for measuring hypertension prevalence: a retrospective comparison to BRFSS with data from two Indiana health systems, 2021
title_full_unstemmed Equivalence of electronic health record data for measuring hypertension prevalence: a retrospective comparison to BRFSS with data from two Indiana health systems, 2021
title_short Equivalence of electronic health record data for measuring hypertension prevalence: a retrospective comparison to BRFSS with data from two Indiana health systems, 2021
title_sort equivalence of electronic health record data for measuring hypertension prevalence a retrospective comparison to brfss with data from two indiana health systems 2021
topic Public health surveillance
Public health
Chronic conditions
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22425-9
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