A review of linked health data in Australian nephrology. Issue 6 (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kotwal, Sradha; Webster, Angela C; Cass, Alan; Gallagher, Martin
• Is Part Of: Nephrology. Volume 21:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 457
• Page End: 466
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Australia/epidemiology -- data collection -- health services research -- medical record linkage -- outcome assessment (health care); Nephrology -- Periodicals; Kidneys -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Nephrologists -- Periodicals; 616.61; 616.61
• DOI: 10.1111/nep.12721
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1320-5358

Abstract

Abstract: Linked health data bring together data about one person from varying sources such as administrative health datasets, death registries and clinical registries using a process that maintains patient privacy. Linked health data have been used for burden of disease estimates and health‐care planning and is being increasingly use as a research methodology to study health service utilisation and patient outcomes. Within Australian nephrology, there has been limited understanding and use of linked health data so far, but we expect that with the increasing availability of data and the growing complexity of health care, the use of such data will expand. This is especially pertinent for the growing elderly population with advanced kidney disease, who are poorly represented in other types of research studies. This article summarizes the history of linked health data in Australia, the nature of available datasets in Australia, the methods of access to these data, privacy and ethical issues, along with strengths, limitations and implications for the future. SUMMARY AT A GLANCE: The ANZDATA registry is pivotal in shaping nephrology practice, but the growing complexity of healthcare make its integration with other datasets compelling both economically and epidemiologically. These additional datasets not only greatly augment the power of ANZDATA but also offer unique tools to ensure that Australia and New Zealand nephrology continues to improve and influence local, regional and global patient outcomes.