Deterministic and probabilistic record linkage

Pursuing reduction in cost and response burden in survey programs has led to increased use of information available in administrative databases. Linkages between these two data sources is a way to exploit their complementary nature and maximize their respective usefulness. This paper discusses the various ways we have performed record linkage between the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and the Health Person-Oriented Information (HPOI) databases. The files resulting from selected linkage methods are used in an analysis of risk factors for having been hospitalized for heart disease. The sensitivity of the analysis with respect to the various linkage approaches is investigated.