Abstract
BACKGROUND: Computational phenotyping from electronic health records (EHRs) is essential for clinical research, decision support, and quality/population health assessment, but the proliferation of algorithms for the same conditions makes it difficult to identify which algorithm is most appropriate for reuse. OBJECTIVE: To develop a framework for assessing phenotyping algorithm fitness for purpose and reuse. FITNESS FOR PURPOSE: Phenotyping algorithms are fit for purpose when they identify the intended population with performance characteristics appropriate for the intended application. FITNESS FOR REUSE: Phenotyping algorithms are fit for reuse when the algorithm is implementable and generalizable-that is, it identifies the same intended population with similar performance characteristics when applied to a new setting. CONCLUSIONS: The PhenoFit framework provides a structured approach to evaluate and adapt phenotyping algorithms for new contexts increasing efficiency and consistency of identifying patient populations from EHRs.