A New Method for Assessing How Sensitivity and Specificity of Linkage Studies Affects Estimation

摘要: Background While the importance of record linkage is widely recognised, few studies have attempted to quantify how errors may impacted on their own findings and outcomes. Even where authors estimate sensitivity specificity based subjects with known status, effects false negatives positives event rates estimates effect are not often described. Methods We present quantification process incidence, as well resultant relative risks. Formulae true number events estimated risk adjusted for given then derived applied data from a prisoner mortality study. The implications positive negative matches also discussed. Discussion Comparisons incidence risks indicate that it more important linkages be highly specific than sensitive, particularly if low. We would recommend that, possible, some quantitative performed, allowing these quantities observed results assessed.