Consolidation of record linkage algorithms in Victoria and beyond

Many state and national data repositories, for example BioGrid and NPS MedicineInsight, use GRHANITE privacy protecting data linkage algorithms and are incompatible for data linkage with those using alternative algorithms such as Outcome Health. This significantly impacts the ability to link and use GP data across Victoria and nationally.

COLLABORATIVE NETWORK

Data-Driven Healthcare Improvement

Learn more

We shall update the GRHANITE algorithms (not revised since 2008) using the latest privacy-preserving algorithm techniques (for example bloom filters) and produce additional tools within the BioGrid environment to help enable research users to analyse linkage data quality when using privacy-preserving data linkage.

We shall validate the algorithms in conjunction with BioGrid comparing the sensitivity and specificity of the linkage with their latest person-identifiable data linkage systems. We shall provide the revised, improved linkage algorithms free of charge to Outcome Health in a manner that can integrate with their systems.

The Centre for Victorian Data Linkage shall also be offered access to the GRHANITE hasher and linkage algorithms. All users of GRHANITE including NPS MedicineInsight shall receive these algorithm updates. This application has the support of BioGrid Australia and Outcome Health.

Data linkage that is not possible between Outcome Health datasets, key BioGrid datasets and NPS MedicineInsight shall be resolved. Data linkage quality shall be improved to the benefit of all MACH partners, Monash Partners and AHRTC’s nationally that may use Outcome Health or NPS MedicineInsight data.

This project has resulted in revised and improved record linkage mechanisms implemented at BioGrid and CVDL. Record-linkage capability at a state level has been greatly increased. Consolidation across multiple algorithms at CVDL is being finalised now.

Almost all datasets utilised in research across Victoria that utilise privacy-preserving algorithms can now be record-linked in conjunction with BioGrid and CVDL. This is a vast increase in capacity in particular for linked data research using general practice data. Data from some PHN areas can still not be utilised.

About Us

MACH is an NHMRC-accredited Research Translation Centre.

The mission of MACH is to improve health and wellbeing by integrating medical research, education and clinical care.

NHMRC Footer Logo

ADDRESS

Level 2, 21 Bedford Street, North Melbourne 3051

[email protected]

MACH acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which it works, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, and pay respects to its elders past, present and emerging.

MACH Partners

All content copyright © 2022 the Melbourne Academic Centre for Health