Tasmanian Data Linkage Unit
Purpose
The Tasmanian Data Linkage Unit (TDLU) brings together Tasmanian data collections and other approved data sources to create linked data which may be accessed by researchers.
This data, relating to individuals in Tasmania, is sourced from multiple administrative and clinical datasets from various sectors including health, education, and welfare. Linked data is de-identified and allows researchers to identify patterns across the Tasmanian population while maintaining the confidentiality of individuals’ data. The TDLU undertakes both state and national data linkage projects.
Linked data can be used for purposes such as:
- research
- planning and evaluation of health, education, and related services
- policy development
- strategic planning
Establishment
The Tasmanian Data Linkage Unit (TDLU) was established in 2010 along with other data linkage units across Australia with funding from the Australian Government, to support nationally and internationally significant population-based research that will improve health and health-related well-being as well as enhancing the delivery of health and community care services in Tasmania and the rest of Australia.
The TDLU is operated by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research under a contractual arrangement between the Department of Health Tasmania (DoH) and the University of Tasmania (UTAS).
The Population Health Research Network
The TDLU is a node of the nationally-funded Population Health Research Network (PHRN). The PHRN is an initiative of the Australian Government and is conducted as part of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy. The PHRN was established to build a nationwide data linkage infrastructure capable of securely and safely managing health and other information from around Australia. This network of data linkage units now operates in every Australian state and territory. This has greatly improved the way linkable health and related data are made available for approved research purposes. A video explaining the role of the PHRN can be viewed here.
