1. Working More Productively: Tools for Information-Rich Environments Ruth-Ann Soodeen, Leslie L. Roos, Ruth Bond, Charles Burchill & Karen Roberts Manitoba Centre for Health Policy Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

2. Manitoba’s Administrative Databases Sleep Lab Clinical Data Inflammatory Bowel Disease Database Heart Health Survey Aging in Manitoba Study National Population Health Survey Diabetes Education Resource Database Alcoholism Panel Surveys Cancer Registry Social & Educationa l Data Population - Based Research Registry Medical Vital Statistics Home Care Nursing Home Hospital Provider Pharmaceutical Immunization Monitoring

3. The Challenge Facilitate research continuity Maximize efficiency Minimize duplication The Solution...

4. Medical/Research Definitions Glossary Research Protocol Research Resources Project Web Pages Concept Dictionary

5. 1. Concept Dictionary Central component of knowledge repository Designed for researchers & programmers/analysts Operationalizes & standardizes research concepts Cross-referenced with other concepts & relevant resources

6. What are concepts? Process documents Developed by MCHP researchers & programmers Applicable to more than one project Concept Dictionary

7. Programs are modular Developed for repeated use Macros built using SAS’ capabilities SAS Macros Concept Dictionary

8. Designed to perform record linkages Links records for an individual across multiple datafiles Linked files can be treated as one record for an individual SAS Macros: LINKS

9. Concept Dictionary Calculates event rates per 1000, adjusting for key population differences (e.g. age, sex) Suitable for comparisons across time and space SAS Macros: RATES

10. Concept Dictionary Complex linked record systems Canadian provinces Western Australia United Kingdom Data with individual identifiers U.S. federal and state data Beyond Manitoba

11. 2. Glossary Gateway to the Concept Dictionary Based on terms used in MCHP reports 1000+ definitions Cross-links to other research aids and teaching materials

12. 3. Medical/Research Definitions Defines frequently analysed: Diagnoses Surgical procedures Tests Codes from various classification systems

13. 4. Research Protocol Guide for analysing administrative data Addresses key steps in the research process: Set-up Methodology Dissemination of results

14. Research Protocol 1. MCHP Background 2. Proposal Preparation 3. Approval Process 4. MCHP Databases 5. Data Analysis 6. Dissemination of Results 7. Project Completion The protocol is divided into seven sections: Contents

15. 5. Project Websites Project management tool Document current project information Typically only available internally

18. Benefits of the Tools Application beyond administrative data Reduction of project start-up costs Cost-effective resource management: cooperative development and researcher- to-researcher dissemination Utility for teaching purposes

19. Final Thoughts The research potential of administrative data continues to generate a demand for resources that will both advance productivity and facilitate shifting into new areas of health and health care research. The in-depth understanding of file content and the research production system will enhance the ability to tackle emerging problems. 18