It's time: record linkage--the vision and the reality.
OBJECTIVE
To examine reasons for the minimal use of Australian administrative health data for research and evaluation.


METHODS
Legislative, organisational, social and political barriers in Australia are described.


RESULTS
System changes are identified that would support the implementation of an evaluation-oriented health data collection system. A Universal Patient Identifier is essential. Leadership and funding at the federal level will be required to ensure the co-ordinated introduction of a rational and integrated health data system in Australia.


CONCLUSIONS
Health data in Australia is not currently collected in a manner that allows the assessment of health outcomes. It is time to change the basis of health data collection from accounting to health outcomes evaluation and to reorganise the system to support this.


CONCLUSIONS
If appropriate national health data were available, research and evaluation of services could be undertaken and treatment outcomes and adverse events could be monitored. Such information could provide a basis for targeted clinical trials and provide evidence for best clinical practice.
Kelman
C
C
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory.
Smith
L
L
D001315:Australia; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008498:Medical Record Linkage / Q000379:methods*; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods