Data linkage

Abstract

Background Data linkage has been defined as 'the bringing together from two or more different sources, data that relate to the same individual, family, place or event'. Australia is one of few countries that has invested significantly in the creation of data linkage facilities. Objectives This paper provides an overview of data linkage and its relevance to general practice research. Discussion Data linkage enables large-scale studies of whole populations across the healthcare system. Data linkage has been used for studies of health service outcomes and use, epidemiology, and needs analysis. In Australia, there is growing interest in the potential to link data from general practice to other h..