Data Linkage Pre-Conference Training
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Russell S. Kirby, PhD, MS, FACE
Professor and Marrell Endowed Chair
Department of Community and Family Health
College of Public Health, University of South Florida
13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC56
Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: 813-396-2347
email: rkirby@health.usf.edu
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Craig A. Mason, PhD
Associate Professor, Education and Applied Quantitative Methods
University of Maine
5766 Shibles Hall, Room 328
Orono, ME 04469-5766
Phone: (207) 581-9059
Fax: (207) 581-9060
Email: craig.mason@umit.maine.edu |
Training Approaches
The presentations covered data linkage methods and tips needed for effective linkage, evaluation and the use of the merged data. Data linking methods discussed included basic and advanced techniques in manual, deterministic and probabilistic record linkage, as well as techniques for validating matches and assessing overall quality of the matched datasets. The presentations included examples of linked data files from a variety of commonly used MCH data sources, including vital statistics (fetal birth and death records), hospital discharge summaries and birth defects registry, etc.
Training Objectives
- Identify the essential business processes and components needed to develop an effective state data records linkage system
- Describe basic and advanced data records linkage methods
- Assess potential challenges involved in developing and linking state data records system
- Identify strategies for meeting these challenges.
Welcome and Introductions
Drs. Kirby and Mason introduce themselves and discussed agenda and goals for the training. Participants also introduced themselves.
Why Do Record Linkage?
Dr. Kirby discusses, broad terms, why and how MCH and EPI professionals would want to link data.
Data Linkage Exercise
Participants were given a handout (see below) and asked to identify potentials data points for linkage of newborn screening and birth certificate Records. The exercise was follow by an in depth interchange between the participants and the presenters about some of the common issues to data linkage.
Deterministic Data Linkage
Dr. Mason provides an overview of deterministic data linkage.
Nondeterministic Data Linkage
Dr. Kirby provides an overview of nondeterministic data linkage
Probabilistic Data Linkage
Dr. Mason provides an overview of probabilistic data linkage.
Top Ten List of How to Do Record Linkage Badly
Dr. Kirby's humorous take on how to link records poorly.
Record Linkage
Dr. Mason presents some of the common techniques to link data.
Record Linkage Methods: Assessing Linkage Quality/Generalizability and Communicating Results
Dr. Kirby discusses methods for assessing the quality of linked data.
Data Structures, Repositories and Libraries
Dr. Kirby provides an overview of current and ideal practices for storing and sharing linkage results.
Data Linkages in Michigan Past, Present and Future
Guest presenter Violanda Griorescu shares her experience in linking data in Michigan.
MCH Data Linkage: The Florida Experience
Guest presenter William M. Sappenfield shares his experience in linking data in Michigan.
Data Linkage in Support of Maternal and Child Health Programs
Guest presenter David Law gives his perspective on linking MCH data and in particular, his experiences in Tennessee.
Utah's MCH Data Linkage Experience
Guest presenters Shaheen Hossain and Rob Satterfield share their experiences linking data in Utah.
The Ten Commandments of Record Linkage
Dr. Kirby closes the pre-conference training with an amusing list of the ten commandments of record linkage.