The Danish National Health Service Register

TLDR

The study aims to describe the Danish National Health Service Register for research purposes. The register compiles administrative and scientific data from primary health care contractors, covering all Danish residents since 1990, and includes demographic, provider, and service information with limited clinical detail. While no formal validity studies exist, the register’s presumed high coverage, completeness, large size, and long follow-up make it valuable for research, though validity concerns remain.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: To describe the Danish National Health Service Register in relation to research. Content: The register contains data collected for administrative and scientific purposes from health contractors in primary health care. It includes information about citizens, providers, and health services but minimal clinical information. Validity and coverage: The register covers everyone living in Denmark and data is available from 1990. No validity studies have been reported. Because the data is connected to reimbursement the coverage is assumed to be good. CONCLUSION: The strengths of the register include completeness, size, and long follow-up period. It is useful for research purposes but reservations must be made regarding its validity.