However, higher refusal rates in some subgroups, such as older women or patients with mental health concerns, may increase the chance of selection bias in studies involving these patients. Provided below is the Olmsted Medical Center general authorization form signed by each patient as a part of the normal registration procedure. I authorize medical records about me from Olmsted Medical Center to be used for medical research. No information identifying me as a patient or participant in any study will be published. Thank you for your help in continuing our important research program.
Research using medical records is very important to medical science and medical care.
By using medical records, we have been able to find better ways to treat heart attacks, to learn about the side effects of some drugs and to find risk factors for common problems such as strokes, heart attacks and cancer. At Olmsted Medical Center we have studied ways to help women get early prenatal care, looked at the number of babies who get their immunizations, studied women with osteoporosis and looked at two types of surgery for carpal tunnel problems. These studies make your care better. We are also a part of the very important Rochester Epidemiology Project which has improved medical practice all over the world. But the law has changed.