An Introduction to Probabilistic Record Linkage with a Focus on Linkage Processing for WTC Registries

Jana Asher, Dean Resnick, Jennifer Brite, Robert Brackbill and James Cone
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Jana Asher: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, USA
Dean Resnick: National Opinion Research Center, Boston, MA 02114, USA
Jennifer Brite: Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 11101, USA
Robert Brackbill: Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 11101, USA
James Cone: Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, World Trade Center Health Registry, New York, NY 11101, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: Since its post-World War II inception, the science of record linkage has grown exponentially and is used across industrial, governmental, and academic agencies. The academic fields that rely on record linkage are diverse, ranging from history to public health to demography. In this paper, we introduce the different types of data linkage and give a historical context to their development. We then introduce the three types of underlying models for probabilistic record linkage: Fellegi-Sunter-based methods, machine learning methods, and Bayesian methods. Practical considerations, such as data standardization and privacy concerns, are then discussed. Finally, recommendations are given for organizations developing or maintaining record linkage programs, with an emphasis on organizations measuring long-term complications of disasters, such as 9/11.

Keywords: epidemiology; disaster epidemiology; data matching; record linkage; probabilistic record linkage; interagency cooperation; 9/11 health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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