CPCSSN Data for Mental Health Research

Abstract

The Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) provides a rich repository of electronic medical record (EMR) data from over 1,500 primary care providers and approximately 2 million patients across Canada. This report evaluates the applicability of CPCSSN data for mental health research, focusing on its utility in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring mental health conditions. The analysis highlights the use of validated mental health case definitions for conditions such as ADHD, eating disorders, and PTSD, enabling accurate identification of patients and longitudinal assessments of prevalence and incidence. The report also explores trends in pharmacotherapy, counselling, and referrals, offering insights into the management of mental health conditions in primary care.

Key findings demonstrate the variability in diagnostic coding practices across provinces and the importance of combining diagnostic codes with text-based searches to ensure comprehensive analyses. While the CPCSSN data repository presents challenges, such as limitations in referral data extraction, it offers significant opportunities for understanding and addressing mental health care needs in Canada. Recommendations emphasize the need for robust methodologies and continued collaboration to enhance the utility of CPCSSN data for mental health research and policy development. This work underscores the potential of CPCSSN to inform and improve the delivery of mental health care in primary care settings.

View the full report: CPCSSN Data for Mental Health Research