Real world evidence

Real World Evidence (RWE) refers to the clinical evidence regarding the usage and potential benefits or risks of a medical product derived from analysis of Real World Data (RWD). RWD encompasses data collected from a variety of sources outside of traditional clinical trials, including electronic health records (EHRs), claims and billing activities, product and disease registries, patient-generated data including in home-use settings, and data gathered from other sources that can inform on health status, such as mobile devices.

Overview

The importance of RWE has grown significantly in the healthcare industry, particularly in the regulatory decision-making process. It offers insights into how a drug or medical device performs in the day-to-day treatment of patients, providing a broader understanding beyond the controlled environments of clinical trials. This evidence is increasingly used by healthcare providers, regulatory agencies, and pharmaceutical companies to make informed decisions about the safety, efficacy, and value of medical products.

Sources of Real World Data

Real World Data can be derived from several sources, including but not limited to:

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Digital versions of patients' paper charts that provide a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history and treatment.
• Claims and Billing Activities: Data generated through healthcare service billing, offering insights into the medical procedures, diagnostics, and treatments that patients undergo.
• Product and Disease Registries: Databases that collect information about individuals affected by specific diseases or those who are using particular medical products.
• Patient-Generated Data: Information created by patients, including health status, treatment experiences, and outcomes, often collected through mobile health apps and devices.
• Social Media and Online Communities: Platforms where patients share their experiences and provide support to each other can also be a source of valuable health-related information.

Applications of Real World Evidence

RWE is utilized in various aspects of healthcare, including:

• Regulatory Decision Making: Regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) use RWE to make informed decisions regarding drug approvals, post-marketing surveillance, and labeling changes.
• Health Technology Assessment (HTA): HTAs use RWE to evaluate the social, economic, organizational, and ethical issues of a health intervention or health technology.
• Clinical Practice Guidelines: RWE is used to inform and update clinical practice guidelines, ensuring they reflect the latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of treatments.
• Patient Care: Healthcare providers use RWE to make informed treatment decisions, tailored to the specific characteristics and preferences of their patients.

Challenges and Considerations

While RWE offers significant benefits, there are challenges in its collection, analysis, and interpretation, including data quality and representativeness, privacy concerns, and methodological issues. Ensuring the reliability and validity of RWE is crucial for its effective use in healthcare decision-making.

Future Directions

The use of RWE is expected to grow, driven by advances in data analytics, the increasing digitization of health records, and the demand for more personalized healthcare. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, RWE will play an increasingly important role in understanding and improving patient outcomes.