What Are the Limitations of Retrospective Analyses?
While retrospective analyses offer numerous benefits, they also have limitations: 1. Data Quality: Incomplete or inaccurate records can lead to biased results. 2. Confounding Variables: The inability to control for all potential confounders can affect the validity of findings. 3. Recall Bias: Relying on patient memory for certain data can introduce inaccuracies. 4. Causality: Establishing a cause-effect relationship is more challenging compared to prospective studies.