Verbesserung des Record Linkage für die Gesundheitsforschung in Deutschland

Abstract: Record linkage means linking data from multiple sources. This approach enables the answering of scientific questions that cannot be addressed using single data sources due to limited variables. The potential of linked data for health research is enormous, as it can enhance prevention, treatment, and population health policies. Due the sensitivity of health data, there are strict legal requirements to prevent potential misuse. However, these requirements also limit the use of health data for research, thereby hindering innovations in prevention and care. Also, comprehensive Record linkage in Germany is often challenging due to lacking unique personal identifiers or interoperable solutions. Rather, the need to protect data is often weighed against the importance of research aiming at healthcare enhancements: for instance, data protection officers may demand the informed consent of individual study participants for data linkage, even when this is not mandatory. Furthermore, legal frameworks may be interpreted differently on varying occasions. Given both, technical and legal challenges, record linkage for health research in Germany falls behind the standards of other European countries. To ensure successful record linkage, case-specific solutions must be developed, tested, and modified as necessary before implementation. This paper discusses limitations and possibilities of various data linkage approaches tailored to different use cases in compliance with the European General Data Protection Regulation. It further describes requirements for achieving a more research-friendly approach to linking health data records in Germany. Additionally, it provides recommendations to legislators. The objective of this work is to improve record linkage for health research in Germany.