Is There an Increasing Regionalization of Surgical Repair of Craniosynostosis Procedures Into Teaching Hospitals? Implications of Regionalization

Big data in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery: from large databases to registries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There are many limitations to performing clinical research with high levels of evidence in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS), such as randomization into surgical groups and sample size recruitment. Therefore, additional avenues for exploring research should be explored using big data, from databases to registries. Other organizations have developed these tools in the evolving landscape of outcomes measurement and value in healthcare, which may serve as models for our specialty.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the last 5 years, FPRS literature of large-scale outcomes research, utilizing several administrative databases, has steadily grown. Our objectives are to describe key administrative databases, strengths and weaknesses of each, and identify recent FPRS publications utilizing big data. A registry with FPRS defined outcomes has the most potential.

SUMMARY

Although FPRS research has trended to a more evidence-based approach in the modern healthcare era, gaps persist. Several large administrative databases or registries can address voids in outcomes research within FPRS.