Kelasto database

Summary

Strengths: KELA database is the major source of information on the consumption of pharmaceuticals. Volumes and types of (reimbursed) drug purchases can be used to approximate the use of various types of drugs. In addition, drug consumption information can be used to supplement the often incomplete comorbidity information in the national discharge register (especially in the case of chronic diseases, e.g. diabetes). Weaknesses: aggregated data; but individual level data can be obtained for research purposes.

Type of data

Data Source
Registry

Type of Study

Data gathering method
Registries

Access to data

Conditions of access

Type of available data (e.g. anonymised microdata, aggregated tables, etc.)
Register data

Formats available

Coverage

Coverage Years of collection, reference years, and sample sizes
Data are collected annually.

First year of collection

Stratification if applicable

Base used for sampling

Geographical coverage and breakdowns

Age range

Statistical representativeness
Population representative

Coverage of main and cross-cutting topics
The dataset provides data on: • Reimbursements for medical and pharmaceutical expenses • Sickness and disability allowances • Occupational health care • Rehabilitation allowances

Linkage

Standardisation

Possibility of linkage among databases
Linkages to other registries require separate applications for permission, possible to link using the unique personal identification number.

Data quality

Entry errors if applicable

Breaks

Consistency of terminology or coding used during collection

Governance

Contact information
Johanna Aarnio
Social Insurance Institute (KELA) / Statistics department
KELA, PO Box 450
00101 Helsinki Finland Phone: +358 20 634 1335
Email: tilastot@kela.fi
Url: http://www.kela.fi/in/internet/suomi.nsf/alias/kelasto

Timeliness, transparency