Background: The Australian Government has provided $20 million to establish the Population Health Research Network (PHRN), with representation from all states and territories to facilitate population health research through data linkage. The Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) is the New Zealand equivalent but is more comprehensive with de-identified microdata from a range of government agencies, Stats NZ and non-government organizations. More limited information may also be available through individual health services or boards.

Objectives: To review the potential for using administrative databases in research. Researchers can define cohorts for study within the administrative data or link them to their own data. Robust protocols preserve confidentiality so that researchers only receive anonymized data.

Methods: Individual presentation and facilitated group discussion including the steps involved in gaining the appropriate approvals for access.

Findings: Available data include hospital morbidity, mental health data and mortality. In New Zealand, this is supplemented by criminal justice, education, social services, migration and tax data.

Conclusions: Administrative data provide researchers with accessible, cost-effective information without the intrusion and cost of additional data collection. These techniques are especially useful in studying regional, rural and remote populations where access may be difficult.