Comparative Analysis of the Accuracy of Microsoft Excel Macros in Retrospective Chart Review Studies

Compared to a trained physician abstractor, macros can extract unstructured data in retrospective chart review studies with high accuracy at speeds superior to a manual approach. Macro errors are typically preventable, and the program can be modified to improve data extraction accuracy. Macros can serve as an efficient and versatile tool to assist researchers with chart review data collection, especially when large datasets are involved.