---
title: >-
  Who are we missing? Underrepresentation of data sources used for
  pharmacoepidemiology research in the United States.
description: >-
  Explore this publication on real-world evidence: Who are we missing?
  Underrepresentation of data sources used for pharmacoepidemiology research in
  the United…
date: '2020-01-01'
category: Publications
tags:
  - M Alan Brookhart
  - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  - Abstract/Manuscript
  - Approval & Commercialization
  - 'Yes'
  - R&D
canonical_url: >-
  https://www.headwaterscience.com/resources/publications/author-m-alan-brookhart/who-are-we-missing-underrepresentation-of-data-sources-used/
source: Headwater
license: © 2026 Headwater. All rights reserved.
slug: who-are-we-missing-underrepresentation-of-data-sources-used
id: 1xXi0oA9lfAh4ytm77opRf
contentType: article
---

## Challenge

The representativeness of US data sources used for pharmacoepidemiology research had not been systematically quantified across race, ethnicity, geography, insurance type, and socioeconomic status, leaving unknown the degree to which RWE findings generalize to the broader US population.

## Solution

Target RWE researchers systematically characterized the demographic and socioeconomic profiles of populations covered by commonly used US pharmacoepidemiology data sources compared to the US Census, revealing patterns of underrepresentation.

## Use Cases/Links

[Read the publication](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pds.5087)