Table 1

Stepwise deterministic matching algorithms according to detail of identifying variables

Matching rulesMatching variables algorithm
Rule 1Sex, YearBirth
Rule 2Sex, YearBirth, MonthBirth
Rule 3Sex, YearBirth, MonthBirth, DayBirth
Rule 4Sex, YearBirth, MonthBirth, DayBirth, ResidCode-2digits
Rule 5Sex, YearBirth, MonthBirth, DayBirth, ResidCode-4digits
Rule 6Sex, YearBirth, MonthBirth, DayBirth, ResidCode-6digits
Gold standardUnique patient ID

  • ID, identification number; ResidCode, residence code.