On April 20, 2017, the U.S. Census Bureau hosted a meeting with approximately 20 representatives from the health data community. Attendees included representatives from health information exchanges (HIEs), state and local public health departments, health data associations, and the Department of Health & Human Services (see Appendix A for list of participants). The purpose of the meeting was to explore the potential for a joint Census-HIE initiative: specifically, data maintained at the Census Bureau would be matched to records maintained by HIEs. If this effort were successful, the resulting matched dataset(s) would provide insights into social determinants of health that otherwise would be difficult to achieve.
The Census Bureau produces data through the administration of surveys like the American Community Survey (ACS); it also acquires a wide range of administrative data from Federal, state and third-party entities. Through its Center for Administrative Records Research and Application (CARRA), the Census Bureau has a distinguished track record for acquiring and managing administrative data in a secure, confidential environment; conducting high-quality data linkages; and providing researchers access to the enhanced datasets for statistical purposes through the Bureau’s network of Research Data Centers (RDCs). Appendix B provides an overview of data files currently maintained by CARRA.
Concurrently, HIEs are advancing in their ability to acquire, maintain and utilize electronic health records to support public health in their regions. Meeting participants shared information on the characteristics of selected HIEs, how they are utilized, and goals for future use.
Proposed Project Objectives
There are myriad dynamics affecting health: demographics, household composition, generational dynamics, income, insurance status, education status, transportation, housing, program participation (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP, WIC), and others. Direct data collection via surveys and other means is costly and challenged by declining response rates, reducing precision. The objectives of this project are to demonstrate:
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The ability to leverage the combined power of information available via electronic health records and data available at the Census Bureau and match them via advanced data linkage methods; and
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The viability of creating new, cost-effective data products that enable a more nuanced understanding of population health dynamics, and inform the development of public health interventions.