Results
Describing the various networks. Table 1 summarizes key aspects of each network, including the number of individuals covered and the types of data partners included, the format of the data, the main users that can query the data partners, how analyses are generally conducted, and how the results of the analyses are compiled and combined.
Each network was designed to facilitate rigorous and reproducible public health research. Sentinel and CNODES were specifically created to help government agencies answer questions about drug safety and effectiveness, while PCORnet was created as a resource for a wider variety of stakeholders, including those interested in conducting pragmatic trials (i.e. randomized controlled trials including patients and conditions more in line with ordinary clinical practice than typical in randomized controlled trials).27 All three include a wide array of data partners providing claims and electronic health record data and each network has developed or implemented its own common data model (i.e., standardized way to store data to prepare for analysis).28 Sentinel has pursued the most standardized analytic approach, with almost every project using customizable and reusable SAS code created entirely within the operations center.29 The CNODES coordinating center prepares a high-level protocol and analysis plan implemented with code at each data partner for most projects, but also uses the Sentinel common data model. PCORnet allows even more flexibility with the potential for analyses to be performed centrally. Finally, the networks all allow for variation in the extent to which results are aggregated, with PCORnet once more allowing the most flexibility.