Because personal identifiers are limited in the data, a probabilistic linking process was used to merge hospital discharge and crash data. The presentation on Probabilistic Linkage which was given at the Association for Health Services Research Conference in 1999 explains more on this topic. You will need Microsoft Powerpoint to view this presentation. The data has been linked for the years 1991-1997 for Wisconsin. The information available from linked data provides important information on the personal injury characteristics incurred from crashes, as well as a the costs associated with crashes.
Linked data can identify the types and costs of injuries resulting from crashes.
Linked data can provide information on the injuries incurred in crashes by vehicle and crash characteristics. Percent of Crash Related Brain Injuries by Crash Configuration, Wisconsin 1997 Linked data can provide information on the number of hospitalizations and hospital charges by crash characteristics. Percent of Crashes, Hospitalizations, and Hospital Charges by Crash Configuration, Wisconsin 1997 Linked data can provide information on the effectiveness of safety equipment, including seatbelts and airbags. The types of injuries sustained or not sustained using the equipment. Linked data can provide information on crash characteristics and on the types and cost of injuries, by community, county and road type.