Real world data (RWD) can drive improved drug development decision-making by complementing data that is collected from traditional randomised controlled trials.

RWD and real world evidence (RWE) are inextricably linked to epidemiology. A cross-sectional study (CSS), which includes surveys and prevalence studies, is the mainstay study design for surveying large populations to quantify the incidence and prevalence of health conditions, and/or population attributes. Combining the CCS design with a medical chart review (MCR) design can be a more efficient design to quickly gather pertinent epidemiological data to support drug development across the lifecycle.