Gain an understanding of the theory and skills needed to analyse linked health data. The modular structure of the course provides participants with a theoretical grounding on each theme, followed by hands-on practical exercises each day using de-identified linked data files.

Please note that the short course will now only run in June each year.

Course details

Topics covered

Introducion to data linkage and its history
Description of the Centre for Health Record Linkage (CHeReL) and how record linkage works
Quality of data linkage
Ethics and data security
Applying to the CHeReL for data
Types of population health databases
ICD coding
Constructing study populations
Data wrangling to construct dataset(s) that can be used for statistical analysis
Measures of health care utilisation, health care episodes, and inter-hospital transfers
Practical data quality considerations
Measures of health care outcomes, including treatment outcomes and adverse events
Analysis approaches
Covariates for risk adjustment, including sociodemographic, illness severity, and comorbidity

Learning outcomes

On completion of this short course participants will be able to:

understand the theory of data linkage methods and features of comprehensive data linkage systems, sufficient to know the sources and limitations of linked health data sets, and in particular those for New South Wales;
apply epidemiological principles to the design of studies using linked data;
construct numerators and denominators for the analysis of disease trends and health care utilisation and outcomes;
assess the accuracy and reliability of data sources;
check data linkages and assure the quality of the study process, e.g. consistency of definitions, missing data;
list the issues to be considered when analysing large linked data files;
utilise data wrangling techniques to prepare linked data files for analysis, derive exposure and outcome variables, relate numerators and denominators and produce results from basic statistical procedures.

Assumed knowledge

The course is suitable for people with no previous experience in the analysis of linked health data. However, it does assume familiarity with introductory statistical and epidemiological methods, as taught, for example, in a Master of Public Health degree course.

The course also assumes basic programming skills in either R or SAS.

Fees, dates, study mode and location

Important: This short course is a variant of the unit of study, Analysis of Linked Health Data (PUBH5215). It enables you to complete the unit without formal university enrolment or assessment requirements. You will receive a certificate of completion, however, you will not receive credit points towards a University of Sydney degree.

To receive credit points and an academic transcript:

enrol via Sydney Student, if you are a current Postgraduate student at the University of Sydney
enrol via Medicine Postgraduate Non Award if you are not a current Postgraduate student at the University of Sydney.

Key information
Course fees	Individuals/Small groups (up to 4 students) $2970 incl. GST per student Large groups (5+ students) $2640 incl. GST per student
Delivery/location	This is a hybrid workshop, and consists of pre-recorded and live lectures and live practical sessions. Live sessions can be attended in person on Camperdown campus or via videoconferencing (Zoom).
Dates	June 2024 session: Please note, these dates are tentative and will be confirmed at the beginning of 2024. Block 1 Tuesday June 11th 9:00am-5:00pm Wednesday June 12th 9:00am-5:00pm Thursday June 13th 9:00am-5:00pm Block 2 Monday June 17th 9:00am-5:00pm Tuesday June 18th 9:00am-5:00pm
Application deadline	June 2023 session May 13th 2024

How to apply

Complete the online application form

It will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

Note for groups: Please ensure that each member of the group fills out a separate copy of the application form.

Payment

Applicants will be contacted in May 2024 to confirm their enrolment and provide payment details.

Payment can be made by:

- Credit card

-Journal transfer (University of Sydney staff only)

-Invoice

If you need to pay by another method, please include your preference in the free text section of the application form.

What happens next?

4 weeks from the beginning of classes:

You will receive an email confirming your enrolment, and providing details for how to pay.

2-3 weeks from the beginning of classes:

You will receive a welcome email from the Sydney School of Public Health Education Support team, containing your e-learning login details and orientation materials.

2 weeks from the beginning of classes:

You will be able to access the e-learning Canvas site for the course. The Unit of Study Coordinator will provide you with a list of the readings.

After completing the course:

Please contact the Sydney School of Public Health Education Support team (ssph.education-support@sydney.edu.au) to receive a copy of your Completion Certificate.

Cancellation

If you decide to cancel your enrolment, the following penalty will apply:
• Cancellation received before the start of classes: the full course fee will be refunded.
• Cancellation received on or after the first day of classes: no refund.

Cancellation must be made via email to the Sydney School of Public Health Education Support Team: ssph.education-support@sydney.edu.au

Analysis of Linked Health Data