The CVDL has documentation to assist when using the data. This details:
Conformed variables:
The CVDL conforms common variables across different datasets for consistency e.g. date of birth or sex can be reported in many different ways in different datasets. The linked data output will report these common variables in a single, standardised format.
Linkage Keys:
Each content table that we provide has a linkage key variable (LinkedPersonID) made up of a hexadecimal value which represents an individual person. The LinkedPersonID is consistent across all datasets and is the variable to link tables and datasets together.
Reference tables and RefIds:
Given the number of records and data contained within the IDR, the CVDL have replaced repeated text fields with Ids and centralised the text values into a common reference file.
All variables that will link to the reference lookup file will have a suffix of RefId.
IDR Relational database diagrams:
The IDR contains over 40 individual datasets. Some of the datasets contain one table while others contain multiple related tables. Upon request the CVDL can provide documentation for the datasets which contain multiple tables including the variables used to link the tables together. Please note that not all datasets have relational diagrams, however we are continuing to develop these.
Importing/Exporting information from VALT:
To import or export information from/to VALT, please fill out the template below and email it to [email protected]: