The LINH database holds longitudinal data on morbidity, prescribing, referrals of about 350.000 individuals. Data are collected in a representative network of about 85 general practices, evenly spread across the country. The participating practices and GPs are representative for Dutch practices as well as GPs, with regard to geographical distribution, degree of urbanisation (incl. deprivation area) of the practice location, and age and gender of the GPs. Single handed practices are slightly underrepresented compared to the national figure. Patients listed in the LINH practices are representative for the Dutch population as well.
Aim
The aim of LINH is to develop and maintain a high quality longitudinal database on morbidity and GP care in the Netherlands and to use this database for health services research and quality of care research.
How does LINH work?
Data are extracted twice a year from five different types of electronic health record systems used in the practices to file patient information. All data from the different systems are converted to a generic model used for storing data in the LINH database.
Recording data for LINH hardly interferes with daily practice. Participants receive feedback reports, comparing their own practice with the LINH average. They also receive a modest financial compensation.
What data are collected?
The LINH database currently includes data of approximately 2.5 million patient years. The size of the study population is appr. N=350,000. Extracted data include information on all patient contacts, including diagnoses, referrals and prescriptions. Diagnoses are coded using the ICPC (International Classification of Primary Care). Also, laboratory results and other measurements are collected. Patient, gender, age, type of health care insurance (before 2006) and place of residence are recorded as well.
How can I get access to the LINH database?
Request for (anonymised) data are judged by the LINH steering committee, in which the board and college of general practitioners are participants. Applications should provide a clear research question to the steering committee and guarantee that their findings be publicly available, regardless of the outcomes.
Financing
LINH’s basic infrastructure is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Health Welfare and Sports
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Verheij RA, Van Dijk CE, Abrahamse H, Davids R,Van den Hoogen H, Braspenning J, Van Althuis T. Landelijk Informatienetwerk Huisartsenzorg. Feiten en cijfers over huisartsenzorg in Nederland. Utrecht/Nijmegen: NIVEL/IQ, 2009, [http://www.nivel.nl/oc2/page.asp?pageid=12794], bezocht op 10 september 2010
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dr. RA Verheij,
Central coordinator LINH
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