# Observational Health Research Observational research with electronic health record (EHR) data is conducted to study associations, trends, and outcomes in healthcare settings. Large-scale, real-world insights may be obtained when the research is conducted though a federated network of healthcare institutions and data sources or a centralized repository containing harmonized, multi-institutional data. Compared to clinical trials, observational studies are generally less costly in terms of time, personnel, and financial resources. When rigorous research practices are applied, the potential effects of non-randomization and systemic bias can be mitigated. {% hint style="info" %} **See the CODIAC for Health chapter on** [**Observational Research with EHR Data**](https://docs.bcbi.brown.edu/codiac-for-health/observational-research) **for more information.** {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.bcbi.brown.edu/codiac-for-health/foundations/observational-health-research.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.