Administrative Data
Overview
Administrative data refers to information collected primarily for administrative (not research) purposes. This type of data is collected by government departments and agencies for the purpose of registration, transaction and record keeping, usually during the delivery of a service. The use of administrative data is increasingly seen as cost-effective way of undertaking research and can provide powerful insights when used in conjunction with other data.
Types of Administrative Data
Administrative data can be categorized into several types depending on the source and the nature of the information. These include:
- Healthcare administrative data: This includes patient records, hospital administration data, and health insurance data. These data are primarily used for patient care and billing purposes, but can also be used for research.
- Educational administrative data: This includes student enrollment data, academic records, and school district data. These data are primarily used for educational planning and management, but can also be used for research.
- Government administrative data: This includes tax records, social security data, and census data. These data are primarily used for government planning and management, but can also be used for research.
Uses of Administrative Data
Administrative data can be used in various ways, both within the organization that collects it and by external researchers. Some of the key uses include:
- Policy analysis: Administrative data can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of various policies and programs. By analyzing these data, policymakers can make evidence-based decisions.
- Research: Researchers can use administrative data to study a wide range of topics, from health outcomes to educational attainment. These data can provide a rich source of information for observational studies.
- Planning: Organizations can use administrative data to plan services and allocate resources. For example, school districts can use enrollment data to plan for future school construction.
- Evaluation: Administrative data can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and interventions. For example, healthcare providers can use patient data to evaluate the effectiveness of a new treatment.
Limitations of Administrative Data
While administrative data can provide valuable insights, it also has several limitations that users need to be aware of:
- Data quality: The quality of administrative data can vary widely. Errors can occur at any stage of the data collection process, from the initial data entry to the final data analysis.
- Privacy concerns: Because administrative data often contains sensitive personal information, there are strict laws and regulations governing its use. Researchers must ensure they comply with these regulations to protect individuals' privacy.
- Data access: Access to administrative data can be restricted, particularly when it contains sensitive personal information. Researchers often need to apply for access and may need to meet certain conditions to use the data.
Conclusion
Administrative data offers a wealth of information that can be used for a variety of purposes, from policy analysis to research. However, users must be aware of the limitations of these data and take appropriate steps to ensure they are used responsibly and ethically.