Data quality in an information-rich environment: Canada as an example.

This review evaluates the quality of available administrative data in the Canadian provinces, emphasizing the information needed to create integrated systems. We explicitly compare approaches to quality measurement, indicating where record linkage can and cannot substitute for more expensive record re-abstraction. Forty-nine original studies evaluating Canadian administrative data (registries, hospital abstracts, physician claims, and prescription drugs) are summarized in a structured manner.

E-health and the Universitas 21 organization: 2. Telemedicine and underserved populations.

Telemedicine activities in underserved communities were reviewed as part of the Universitas 21 (U21) e-health project. A SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) was conducted on 12 articles identified in a literature review, supplemented by expertise from U21 members. The analysis showed that threats include the reluctance of populations to use telemedicine services, and a general absence of infrastructure and resources to sustain them.

Health services use of Manitoba First Nations people: is it related to underlying need?

Background: To compare health status and health services use of Registered First Nations to all other Manitobans (AOM). If the Canadian health care system is meeting underlying need, those experiencing the greatest burden of morbidity and mortality should show the highest rates of health service use.

Methods: Registered First Nations' (n = 85,959) hospitalization and physician visit rates were compared to rates of all other Manitobans (n = 1,054,422) for fiscal year 1998/99.

Mortality comparisons of First Nations to all other Manitobans: a provincial population-based look at health inequalities by region and gender.

Background: To examine inequalities in health status of Registered First Nations Manitobans compared to all other Manitobans.

Methods: Three mortality indicators--premature mortality rate (PMR) defined as an age- and sex-adjusted rate of death before age 75 years; life expectancy from birth; and potential years of life lost (PYLL)--are compared between Registered First Nations (RFN) people and all other Manitobans (AOM) by geographical areas of Manitoba. Data were derived from the Population Health Research Data Repository, linked to the federal Status Verification System (SVS) files for the years 1995 through 1999.

Using data linkage to identify First Nations Manitobans: technical, ethical, and political issues.

Background: The Manitoba Health Registry does not fully identify First Nations Manitobans, impacting the ability to adequately describe their health status and use of health services using this data source alone. This paper describes the processes in producing a valid database for use in a population-based report by the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP).

Methods: The Indian Registry's Status Verification System (SVS) file is a national database containing a complete list of Registered First Nations eligible for benefits through the Indian Act.