An efficient validation method of probabilistic record linkage including readmissions and twins.
OBJECTIVE
To describe an efficient, generalizable approach to validate probabilistic record linkage results, in particular by a model-guided detection of linking errors, and to apply this approach to validate linkage of admissions of newborns.


METHODS
Our double-blind validation procedure consisted of three steps: sample selection, data collection and data analysis. The linked Dutch national newborn admission registry contained 30,082 records for 2001 including readmissions (7.4%) and twins (9.7%). A highly informative sample was selected from the linked file by oversampling uncertain links based on model-derived linking weight. Four hundred and eight fax forms with minimal registry information (admissions of 191 children) were sent out to different pediatric units. The pediatricians were asked to create a short detailed patient history from independent sources. The linkage status and additional record data was validated against this external information.


RESULTS
Response rate was 97% (395/408 faxes). Accuracy of the linkage of singleton admissions was high: except for some expected errors in the uncertain area (0.02% of record pairs), linkage was error-free. Validation of multiple birth readmissions showed 37% linkage errors due to low data quality of the multiple birth variables. The quality of the linked registry file was still high; only 1.7% of the children were from a multiple birth with multiple admissions, resulting in less than 1% linking error.


CONCLUSIONS
Our external validation procedure of record linkage was feasible, efficient, and informative about identifying the source of the errors.
Tromp
M
M
Department of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.tromp@amc.uva.nl
Ravelli
A C J
AC
Méray
N
N
Reitsma
J B
JB
Bonsel
G J
GJ
D000465:Algorithms; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008498:Medical Record Linkage / Q000592:standards*; D009426:Netherlands; D010359:Patient Readmission; D010372:Pediatrics; D012042:Registries; D014427:Twins