Data Source

Registry

Type of Study

Cross-section, regular

Data gathering method

Registries

Registries, based on EMD's

Ease

Cannot be downloaded directly

Conditions of access

Formal agreements (e.g. fees, research contracts, institutional agreements, etc.)

Official authorisation by Nivel and steering committee LiPZ is required.

Time elapsed between application and reception of data

Contact data administrator (see contact information)

Type of available data (e.g. anonymised microdata, aggregated tables, etc.)

Anonymised microdata

Formats available

SPSS (default)

Language issues

Scientific papers are published in English.

Years of collection, reference years, and sample sizes

Data were collected in 2001 - 2011 with a sample size of around 150 practitioners. Data collection is ongoing and is scheduled to continue at some point in the future.

First year of collection

2001

Stratification if applicable

Not applicable

Base used for sampling

Not applicable

Geographical coverage and breakdowns

Patients in allied health care in the Netherlands

Age range

No age restrictions

Statistical representativeness

Microdata are fairly representative of national paramedical care

Coverage of main and cross-cutting topics

Brief overview of: Allied health care: demographics, access, health issues, treatments, evaluations

Standardisation

Data extractions are based on Vektis-standards

Possibility of linkage among databases

Limited linkage key: about 85% of patients can be linked

Entry errors if applicable

Data are checked for validity and doubling

Breaks

There have been changes to the scope of the information. In 2002, the registry was extended to include information about privately insured and non-claimable data flow. In 2006, self-employed dieticians were also added.

Consistency of terminology or coding used during collection

In the course of years, there have been small changes in the system, but the majority is consistent.

Strengths: This registry involves data extraction from electronic patient registration and has a longitudinal design. Weaknesses: However, due to the longitudinal design, primarily general information is available.