Data Source

Registry

Type of Study

Cross-section, regular

Data gathering method

Registries

Ease

Cannot be downloaded directly

Conditions of access

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

Aggregated data is publicly available through "GIPdatabank" (www.gipdatabank.nl), ATC5-level

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

Limited English documentation available

Years of collection, reference years, and sample sizes

Data was collected between 1994 and 2011, with sample size of 24 insurance companies (97% sample of insured people). Data collection is ongoing and is scheduled to continue at some point in the future.

First year of collection

1994

Stratification if applicable

Not applicable

Base used for sampling

Not applicable

Geographical coverage and breakdowns

Dutch population with medicine/ medical aid use

Age range

No age restrictions

Statistical representativeness

Representative for all insured people in the Netherlands

Coverage of main and cross-cutting topics

Detailed study of: Delivery and reimbursement of medicine and medical aid; type, costs, duration

Standardisation

Use of atc/ddd-classificattion for medicine and iso999-classification voor medical aid

Possibility of linkage among databases

Linkage is legally not permitted.

Entry errors if applicable

Data are checked for validity, completeness and consistency.

Consistency of terminology or coding used during collection

Concepts are consistent in time

Strengths: The data source provides high coverage, detailed and high quality data. Weaknesses: The dataset does not provide information about indications or intramural delivery of medicine.