Characteristics of patients in platform C19, a COVID-19 research database combining primary care electronic health record and patient reported information

PLoS One. 2021 Oct 19;16(10):e0258689. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258689. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Background: Data to better understand and manage the COVID-19 pandemic is urgently needed. However, there are gaps in information stored within even the best routinely-collected electronic health records (EHR) including test results, remote consultations for suspected COVID-19, shielding, physical activity, mental health, and undiagnosed or untested COVID-19 patients. Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute (OPRI) Singapore and Optimum Patient Care (OPC) UK established Platform C19, a research database combining EHR data and bespoke patient questionnaire. We describe the demographics, clinical characteristics, patient behavior, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic using data within Platform C19.

Methods: EHR data from Platform C19 were extracted from 14 practices across UK participating in the OPC COVID-19 Quality Improvement program on a continuous, monthly basis. Starting 7th August 2020, consenting patients aged 18-85 years were invited in waves to fill an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were summarized using all data available up to 22nd January 2021.

Findings: From 129,978 invitees, 31,033 responded. Respondents were predominantly female (59.6%), white (93.5%), and current or ex-smokers (52.6%). Testing for COVID-19 was received by 23.8% of respondents, of which 7.9% received positive results. COVID-19 symptoms lasted ≥4 weeks in 19.5% of COVID-19 positive respondents. Up to 39% respondents reported a negative impact on questions regarding their mental health. Most (67%-76%) respondents with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes, heart, or kidney disease reported no change in the condition of their diseases.

Interpretation: Platform C19 will enable research on key questions relating to COVID-19 pandemic not possible using EHR data alone.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Databases, Factual*
  • Electronic Health Records*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Primary Health Care*
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology

Grants and funding

This study is funded by Optimum Patient Care United Kingdom.