Use of automated record linkage to measure patient fertility after family planning service
Burnettt, C.A.; Tyler, C.W.; Schoenbucher, A.K.; Terry, J.S.
American Journal of Public Health 70(3): 246-250
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0090-0036 PMID: 7356086 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.70.3.246Document Number: 441735
Record linkage was used to identify births in 1974 to patients who received contraceptive services from public family planning clinics in metropolitan Atlanta and the pill was substantially better than that of foam and condoms. Excluding teenagers, the program effectiveness of the IUD was better than the pill. Changes in family planning services for high-risk patients may help them achieve fertility control objectives. Linking family planning clinic records to official birth records as described in this study can help determine clinic success in meeting patient objectives. Other applications of record linkage were discussed briefly.