ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of organizing, merging, and linking EHR data, in other words, data management. The chapter begins this discussion by contrasting data organization strategies, such as long versus wide format, and then proceeds into techniques for adding observations and variables to an existing dataset. The chapter includes a section specific to linking EHR data to census data, given its popularity in health disparities and spatial research. In the second half of the chapter, variable, observation, and database management techniques are explored to ensure the research database is ready for the creation of analytic datasets. The chapter culminates in the creation of an EHR-based research database that can be used for answering multiple research questions. Finally, the chapter covers tips and techniques for streamlining the data management process using common research software such as REDCap and Microsoft Excel.
