Clinical context changes what an image means
Imaging alone may not establish diagnosis, severity, treatment or outcome. Linked clinical evidence can strengthen a dataset when it is temporally correct, sufficiently complete and covered by the approved programme.
Data types are not interchangeable
A diagnosis code, report impression, pathology result and longitudinal outcome represent different evidence. Dataset cards should identify the source and transformation of every label.
- Structured EHR fields and encounter history
- Radiology reports and impression text
- Laboratory results with units and reference ranges
- Pathology, procedures, medications and outcomes where appropriate
- Imaging and clinical timelines joined under pseudonymous identifiers
Minimize before release
Only fields necessary for the defined programme should move into an external release. Direct identifiers and unnecessary free text remain outside the approved product.
Questions, answered directly.
Can imaging and EHR data be linked?+
Potentially, using approved pseudonymous relationships and time windows when source systems support reliable linkage.
Is every clinical field complete?+
No. Missingness and source-system coverage must be measured rather than assumed.
Can free text be released?+
Only after appropriate authority, privacy processing and programme-specific review.