The Danish National Health Service Register.

INTRODUCTION

To describe the Danish National Health Service Register in relation to research.

CONTENT

The register contains data collected for administrative and scientific purposes from health contractors in primary health care. It includes information about citizens, providers, and health services but minimal clinical information.

VALIDITY AND COVERAGE

The register covers everyone living in Denmark and data is available from 1990. No validity studies have been reported. Because the data is connected to reimbursement the coverage is assumed to be good.

CONCLUSION

The strengths of the register include completeness, size, and long follow-up period. It is useful for research purposes but reservations must be made regarding its validity.