VHIN Introduction to Research in the IDI

Friday 29 November (1 day in person, Massey University, Wellington)

Full-time students
NZ$275

Everyone else
NZ$550

Barry Milne, Andrea Teng, Stephanie D'Souza

Are you considering using the IDI but aren’t sure where to begin? Are you interested in learning more about how the IDI can be used for research? This course will be of interest to a wide range of researchers and analysts in government agencies, academics, policymakers, health professionals, and postgraduate students. It will suit those who are new to using the IDI, are considering using the IDI, or would like to know more about IDI research.

The course will provide an orientation to the IDI and discuss some of the opportunities and major issues around its use for research. It is taught by two experienced IDI users and there will be ample time for discussion, questions, and networking with other course participants.

The value of routine data and its potential usefulness to research has never been greater. The IDI leads the way internationally in this area. The IDI comprises anonymised microdata about people and households from a range of government agencies, surveys, the 2013 Census, and non-government organisations. The IDI can be a fantastic research resource, but successful research requires a background of knowledge and contacts that is often not available to new users. This course aims to provide a base for IDI users to build this knowledge and contacts.

This course will introduce the IDI, provide practical tips about its use, and use examples from projects, such as VHIN catalyst projects, the Better Start and Healthier Lives National Science Challenges, and a selection of other research projects. Participants will get the opportunity to ask questions of the course conveners and a panel of established IDI users.

We will cover the following topics, and will conclude with a question and answer session including an expert panel.

• Overview of the IDI
• Research questions and methods for big data
• Data sharing and useful resources
• How to get started in the IDI
• Social licence, ethics, and kaitiakitanga
• IDI structure, and the spine
• Estimating a population and linkage rates
• Key information on ethnicity, address, income, and health
• Introduction to SQL/SAS/other coding and where to find resources
• Examples of IDI research.

The instructors' detailed course notes will serve as the course text. Participants will receive a copy on the first day. See also resources available through the VHIN website and Stats NZ.