Evidence in Motion: Using EHRs and Embedded Trials to Inform Population Health Policy and Practice

Population Health Plenary
Evidence in Motion: Using EHRs and Embedded Trials to Inform Population Health Policy and Practice

Date: 19 Sep 2025, Friday | Time: 1405 - 1450 | Track Type: Plenary | Venue: The NAK Auditorium, Academia

Speaker: Prof Lesley Curtis

Electronic health records (EHRs) have become ubiquitous, yet challenges persist in translating the vast amount of structured and unstructured data they contain into actionable insights. At the same time, pragmatic clinical trials—particularly those embedded in health care systems—offer a powerful approach to evaluating interventions under real-world conditions. This presentation explores the intersection of these two domains, drawing on lessons from recent efforts to leverage EHR data for embedded trials aimed at improving population health. We will examine emerging approaches to improve data quality, representativeness, and outcome ascertainment in EHR-based research; discuss the infrastructure needed to support efficient and scalable pragmatic trials; and highlight examples where these approaches have informed clinical and policy decision-making. Attention will also be given to governance, ethical, and operational challenges that arise when research is integrated into routine care. By linking data generation more closely to decision-making, we can accelerate progress toward a learning health system—one that continuously improves by studying itself.