About the Project

Over the past two decades there has been a dramatic increase in the use of administrative data for research purposes. Accessability to administrative data coupled with advances in computer technology have fueled this increase. However, concerns are being raised regarding the ethical use of these data. Concerns include issues regarding both data quality and personal privacy and confidentiality. Little emphasis has been placed on developing standards for the ethical use of administrative data in research. 

This project will involve two components: 1) a comprehensive review of the literature to identify standards and best practices associated with the use of administrative data in research, and 2) a telephone survey of the 50 state Medicaid Data Unit Chiefs and 10 CMS staff to identify their issues and concerns about this growing phenomenon and to determine what guidelines, polices, and procedures exist governing the use of administrative data for research purposes. The products of this work will include 1) a searchable database of standards and best practices associated with the use of administrative data, and 2) a refereed checklist for researchers using administrative data based on existing standards and best practices. The results will assist in the preparation of a federally-funded grant application.

Principal Investigator	Roger Boothroyd, PhD
Funding Agency	University of South Florida
Award Amount	$4,840
Dates	05/01/2006 - 04/30/2007