What type of data is considered aggregate data?

Aggregate data refers to data that is compiled from multiple individual sources and is used to identify trends, patterns, and outcomes for groups rather than for individuals. This type of data can provide insights into population health, resource allocation, and overall quality of care in a healthcare system.

In this context, de-identified information about groups of patients represents aggregate data because it summarizes characteristics or outcomes related to a population without identifying individual patients. For example, this could include statistics about the average age of patients in a specific health program, the percentage of patients who achieve certain health outcomes, or trends in specific health conditions among a group.

In contrast, individual health records, clinical trials data, and patient-specific treatment data focus on individual patients and their specific health situations, making them not suitable examples of aggregate data. Aggregate data is essential for understanding broader health trends and for policy-making, resource management, and quality improvement initiatives within healthcare organizations.