Goldstein, H;
Harron, K;
(2018)
‘Pseudonymisation at source’ undermines accuracy of record linkage.
[Editorial comment].
Journal of Public Health
, 40
(2)
pp. 219-220.
10.1093/pubmed/fdy083.
Preview |
Text
Goldstein_'Pseudonymisation at source' undermines accuracy of record linkage_AAM.pdf - Accepted Version Download (15kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Pseudonymisation is one element of a range of measures that can be used to protect the privacy of individuals. ‘Pseudonymisation at source’ is a technique used by data providers to avoid identification of individuals before data are linked for secondary uses such as service evaluation or research. The technique involves replacement of direct identifiers, known as ‘personal data’ or ‘confidential patient information’, such as NHS number, date of birth and postcode, with a pseudonym, which does not reveal a person’s real world identity. Use of the same pseudonymisation key for multiple data sources before data are shared enables data sources to be linked together without using ‘personal data’ and therefore avoids the need for patient consent or other legal provision under the Data Protection Act or the General Data Protection Regulation. As we discuss below, however, this limits the utility and quality of any resulting linked datasets.
Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
