A comparison of hand and computer-linked records

A study was conducted to develop and evaluate the efficacy of computerized record linkage. A random sample of Dade County Public School (DCPS) records (n = 3,213) was manually linked to Florida birth certificate records, using a split-screen display, to determine the relative utility of several identifiers. Of the 2,990 eligible records, 2,849 were linked, a success rate of 95%. A computer algorithm was then developed to automate the linkage procedure. The accuracy of electronically linked record pairs was assessed using the manual matches as the gold standard. Overall, the computer program was able to correctly identify 97% of the manual linkages. This study demonstrated the feasibility of computerized record linkage methodology as a viable alternative when studying the longterm psychoeducational outcome of children