Data standards publications

National community services data dictionary, version 5

The National community services data dictionary (the NCSDD) is a national resource which community services authorities use to ensure the consistency and comparability of all data collected under the scope of the National Community Services Information Agreement (NCSIA). The data dictionary contains definitions and value domains that are endorsed as national standards for use by those collecting community services data in Australia. Version 5 has been downloaded from METeOR which is an internet registry for development, registration and dissemination of metadata based on the latest version of the international standard ISO/IEC 11179 Information technology-Metadata registries (MDR) in 2003. The Dictionary is available online at <meteor.aihw.gov.au>. The data dictionary is an important resource for people involved in designing and building data collections, conducting research and evaluation activities.

Authored by National Community Services Data Committee.

Published 21 July 2008; ISBN-13 978 1 74024 800 6; AIHW cat. no. HWI 102; INTERNET ONLY

National health (version 14) and national community services (version 5) data dictionaries CD-ROM set

This CD-ROM set contains both the National Health Data Dictionary (version 14) and the National Community Services Data Dictionary (version 5).

Authored by AIHW.

Published 21 July 2008; AIHW cat. no. HWI 101/102; OUT OF PRINT

National health data dictionary version 14

National health data dictionary no. 14

The National health data dictionary (the NHDD) is a national resource which health jurisdictions use to ensure the consistency and comparability of all data collected under the National Health Information Agreement. It is increasingly being used as a resource to standardise data collections that are not mandatory for national collection. It is vital that the health care community continues to standardise the meaning and representation of data used for both clinical purposes and statistical analysis. The use of the NHDD is an important step in this process. With the comparability of data collected based on definitions in the NHDD, information collected by jurisdictions throughout Australia can provide meaningful input to community discussion and public policy debate on health issues in Australia. The aim of such discussion is to improve the quality and safety of health care for all Australians. Version 14 has been downloaded from METeOR which is an internet registry for development, registration and dissemination of metadata based on the latest version of the international standard ISO/IEC 11179 Information technology-Metadata registries (MDR) in 2003. The Dictionary is available online at <meteor.aihw.gov.au>.

Authored by Health Data Standards Committee.

Published 21 July 2008; ISSN 1329-4555; ISBN-13 978 1 74024 799 3; AIHW cat. no. HWI 101; INTERNET ONLY

National palliative care performance indicators: results of the 2007 performance indicator data collection

This report presents the findings of the 2007 national collection of performance indicator data from Australia's palliative care sector, and comparisons with the results of previous collections in 2005 and 2006. Some characteristics of palliative care agencies are also described. The information was collected to calculate four nationally agreed performance indicators that were developed by representatives of the states and territories and the Australian Government through the Palliative Care Intergovernmental Forum. The indicators are based on the goals and objectives of the National Palliative Care Strategy, and provide information on the extent to which the strategy has been implemented in areas such as strategic planning, use of standards, collection of feedback and formation of partnerships.

Authored by AIHW.

Published 10 June 2008; ISBN-13 978 1 74024 777 1; AIHW cat. no. HWI 99; 44pp.; $24.00

Report on the pilot test of the community-based palliative care client data collection

This report outlines the need for a data set for community-based palliative care services that is relevant to national policy development and accountability, and provides details of a pilot test of the data set which aimed to evaluate the data items and their permissible values. This data set lays the foundation for the future agreement of a national minimum data set, which would see the collection of ongoing data about community-based palliative care clients for national collection and reporting. The data items within the draft client data set specification include items that relate to: the patient, the episode of palliative care, the episode of grief and bereavement counselling, and each service contact within these episodes.

Authored by AIHW.

Published 29 October 2007; ISBN-13 978 1 74024 714 6; AIHW cat. no. HWI 97; 106pp.; $27.00

A guide to data development

For more than a decade, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has been undertaking data development, and assisting other organisations with related activities. In doing so, the AIHW has developed a body of expertise in data development. Much of this experience has been distilled into 'A guide to data development'. The guide covers the basics of data development and the steps to follow when developing data. It outlines sound data development practices that incorporate the necessary steps to produce high-quality data that meet the needs of all users of the data and attract the necessary level of agreement on content and authority behind the data specifications. The document promotes the role of metadata in describing data and the use of data standards to improve consistency in data recording where data consistency and comparability is required.

Authored by AIHW.

Published 27 February 2007; ISBN-13 978-1-74024-655-2; AIHW cat. no. HWI 94; 83pp.; $27.00

Dementia in Australia: national data analysis and development

Drawing together a wide range of data sources, the 'Dementia in Australia: national data analysis and development' report presents a profile of the Australian population with dementia, as well as discussing the characteristics and experiences of those caring for them. The report investigates current and projected prevalence and incidence of dementia, use of health and care services by those with dementia, and presents a new methodology for calculating expenditure on services associated with dementia. The evidence base about dementia in Australia is weakened by the variable quality and consistency of available data. The report also describes the sorts of data items recommended to improve the collection of dementia data.

Authored by AIHW.

Published 31 January 2007; ISBN-13 978 1 74024 639 2; AIHW cat. no. AGE 53; 335pp.; OUT OF PRINT

Developing a nationally consistent data set for needle and syringe programs

This report details a project undertaken by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing to develop a national Needle and Syringe Program data set and associated reporting instrument to facilitate consistent and comparable data collection and reporting. It provides a description of the methodology used and includes a copy of the data set and reporting instrument developed as part of the project. The report includes a number of recommendations regarding the future development and expansion of the data set. 'Developing a nationally consistent data set for needle and syringe programs' is the result of consultations with service providers, state and territory representatives and the Australian government.

Authored by AIHW.

Published 29 January 2007; ISBN-13 978 1 74024 610 1; AIHW cat. no. HWI 90; 66pp.; $27.00

National community services data dictionary, version 4

The 'National community services data dictionary' is the authoritative source of community services data definitions used where national consistency is required. The dictionary is designed to improve the comparability of data across the community services sector. It is also designed to make data collection activities more efficient by reducing duplication of effort in the field, and more effective by ensuring that information to be collected is appropriate for its purpose. Version 4 expands and updates endorsed data definitions published in Version 3, and implements the latest version of the ISO 11179 standards for metadata registries.

Authored by National Community Services Data Committee.

Published 23 November 2006; ISSN 1440-8872; ISBN-13 978 1 74024 617 0; AIHW cat. no. HWI 91; 472pp.; $35.00

National community services data dictionary, version 4 (CD)

The 'National community services data dictionary' is the authoritative source of community services data definitions used where national consistency is required. Version 4 expands and updates endorsed data definitions published in Version 3, and implements the latest version of the ISO 11179 standards for metadata registries. The dictionary is available in book form, with a limited number of copies produced as CDs.

Authored by National Community Services Data Committee.

Published 23 November 2006; ISSN 1440-8872; ISBN-13 978 1 74024 627 9; AIHW cat. no. HWI 93; 472pp.; OUT OF PRINT