Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database: A Validation Study

High quality administrative data are essential to policy makers and health services researchers. By their nature, however, administrative data are imperfect and can be improved. Much of the research conducted at ICES relies heavily on the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database (CIHI-DAD), which contains detailed clinical, demographic and administrative data for hospital admissions and day surgeries across Canada. Recently, concern has surfaced about the accuracy of data recorded in the DAD. This report details the findings of a data validation study  conducted by ICES.