BACKGROUND: The statistical linkage key (SLK-581) is a common tool for record linkage in Australia, due to its ability to provide some privacy protection. However, newer privacy-preserving approaches may provide greater privacy protection, while allowing high-quality linkage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the standard SLK-581, encrypted SLK-581 and a newer privacy-preserving approach using Bloom filters, in terms of both privacy and linkage quality. METHOD: Linkage quality was compared by conducting linkages on Australian health datasets using these three techniques and examining results. Privacy was compared qualitatively in relation to a series of scenarios where privacy breaches may occur. RESULTS: The Bloom filter technique offered greater privacy protection and linkage quality compared to the SLK-based method commonly used in Australia. CONCLUSION: The adoption of new privacy-preserving methods would allow both greater confidence in research results, while significantly improving privacy protection.
BACKGROUND: The statistical linkage key (SLK-581) is a common tool for record linkage in Australia, due to its ability to provide some privacy protection. However, newer privacy-preserving approaches may provide greater privacy protection, while allowing high-quality linkage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the standard SLK-581, encrypted SLK-581 and a newer privacy-preserving approach using Bloom filters, in terms of both privacy and linkage quality. METHOD: Linkage quality was compared by conducting linkages on Australian health datasets using these three techniques and examining results. Privacy was compared qualitatively in relation to a series of scenarios where privacy breaches may occur. RESULTS: The Bloom filter technique offered greater privacy protection and linkage quality compared to the SLK-based method commonly used in Australia. CONCLUSION: The adoption of new privacy-preserving methods would allow both greater confidence in research results, while significantly improving privacy protection.
Authors: Tim G Coulson; Michael Bailey; Chris Reid; Gil Shardey; Jenni Williams-Spence; Sue Huckson; Shaila Chavan; David Pilcher Journal: BMC Med Inform Decis Mak Date: 2021-02-02 Impact factor: 2.796