The Use of Medical Records in Epidemiology: A Case Study Using Asthma Hospitalisations in New South Wales, 1979–86

In this paper the authors review the use of hospital separation records in epidemiological research. The health problem of asthma admissions in NSW between 1979 and 1986 is reviewed. The overall number and rate of asthma admissions increased in NSW during this period, but the total number of bed days attributable to asthma did not change. Geographical variations in asthma admissions for metropolitan Sydney are presented, and the standardised rates of asthma admissions appeared highest in central and outer western Sydney. The use of medical records in epidemiology is illustrated by this study, and the research skills illustrated are within the capabilities of any health information manager. (AMRJ, 1990, 20(3), 101–105).