Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and real-world data (RWD) each offer valuable observations of the patient journey, yet these insights are often disconnected. Privacy-preserving record linkage (PPRL) can bridge these data sources to strengthen evidence generation by streamlining research and enhancing the quality of available data.
This narrative review, published in Health Science Reports, explores how PPRL connects RCTs and RWD to create richer patient histories and support innovative trial designs. By linking these data sources, researchers can improve decision-making across the pre- and post-marketing phases of drug development. The authors also emphasize the need for additional research and real-world examples to fully demonstrate PPRL’s potential in advancing evidence generation and regulatory decisions.
Access the full article here.