10 August 2022

Data linkage forum for researchers on 1 September

VAHI is hosting an online forum for researchers to learn more about data linkage in Victoria, as the Centre for Victorian Data Linkage (CVDL) continues to expand its role and abilities to track the patient journey through our health system.

The online information session on 1 September will cover the use of linked data in policy and research, datasets available via the CVDL, and the online application process, requirements and key steps. The forum will run between 12-1pm. To register your interest in attending, please email [email protected].

The forum comes as the CVDL is involved with a number of projects which aim to increase the range of data available for linkage purposes, in particular the accessibility of data held by the Commonwealth.

One of these is a collaborative project with the Commonwealth Department of Health to understand the impact of COVID-19 on population heath and the heath service system.

The Commonwealth has provided the CVDL with identified Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data to link with Victorian datasets for the project.

This is the first time that the Commonwealth has provided identified MBS and PBS to a state-based linkage agency. Linkage of MBS and PBS data with Victorian health data sets will provide a broad picture of the impact of COVID-19 across the health services system including primary health and hospital services.

The CVDL is also leading Victorian input to the National Disability Data Asset (NDDA), which will comprise a collection of linked, de-identified data from across multiple Commonwealth, state and territory service systems. The NDDA’s underlying technical infrastructure will be co-designed and co-governed by the Commonwealth and the states and territories and will include a shared national population linkage spine and two-way data sharing between jurisdictions. 

The CVDL is working closely with Victorian stakeholders in the Department of Families Fairness and Housing, and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, as well as multiple Commonwealth stakeholders to deliver the project, with the final version available in 2025.