A data analyst, using a clinical decision support system (administrative database), discovered a higher- than-expected incidence of renal failure (a serious complication) following coronary artery bypass surgery.
The rat e was well above 10 percent for the most recent 12 months increased over the last six quarters.
However, the clinical decision support system did not contain enough detail to explain whether this complication resulted from the coronary artery bypass graft procedures or was a chronic condition present on admission.
To find the answer, the data analyst uses different steps. This example illustrates: