Evaluation of the Accuracy of Probabilistic Record Linkage Across Sociodemographic Categories in 4 Databases: Exploratory Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Accurate patient record linkage is essential for clinical care, health information exchange, research, and public health surveillance. However, linkage accuracy may vary across demographic groups due to differences in data completeness, quality, and the structural factors underlying how demographic information is captured.

Objective

This study aimed to explore whether probabilistic patient matching accuracy varies by age, sex, race, and ethnicity and to identify potential sources of bias that may influence matching performance.

Methods

We used 4 Indiana data sources-the Indiana Network for Patient Care, Newborn Screening, Social Security Administration Death Master File, and Marion County Public Health Department-and applied a modified Fellegi-Sunter probab

SUBMITTER: Barboi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12945093 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature