This video is a companion of my book Real-World Evidence: Principles and Practice. It explores the complex ecosystem of Real-World Data (RWD), which serves as the fundamental basis for generating clinical and regulatory evidence. It distinguishes between primary data, collected specifically for research, and secondary data, which is repurposed from routine sources like electronic health records or insurance claims. A "secondary-first" strategy is recommended to enhance efficiency, suggesting that researchers only move toward prospective collection when existing databases fail to meet "fitness-for-purpose" standards. Beyond traditional records, the overview highlights the growing role of digital health technologies, such as wearables and patient-reported outcomes, in capturing continuous and personalized health metrics. Finally, the video emphasizes that data linkage and integration across these diverse platforms are essential for creating a comprehensive and trustworthy view of the patient journey.
