The measurement of cancer outcomes for Health Center users presents unique challenges in regard to the identification of cohorts and controls. In addition, the assessment of follow-up care for this population is complicated by the need for extensive referrals and specialty care for diagnosis and treatment. Linking several sources of data is a promising means to further outcomes measurement and enhance opportunities for epidemiologic research. We report the pilot study results of an observational investigation being conducted by the Bureau of Primary Health Care of HRSA to evaluate health care outcomes for women diagnosed with Breast cancer who receive their primary health care from Health Centers. Specifically, the study is designed to compare stage at diagnosis, survival, and follow-up care for Health Center users and non-Health Center users, employing data from multiple datasets. Source of data include the Health Center administrative files, state cancer registries, census data, the National Death Index, and medical records. We provide a detailed description of our linkage strategies (including those for the comparison group and survival analysis), matching algorithms, and the properties of the resulting database including its attendant strengths, limitations, and utility to assess cancer outcomes for Health Center users.
Learning Objectives: Be familiar with the strengths, limitations, and potential utility of data linkages to evaluate cancer outcomes in users of Health Centers.
Keywords: Outcomes Research, Breast Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.