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IntroductionEarly-life prevention of chronic diseases is crucial to a healthy adulthood. However, evidence is often lacking to assess the effectiveness of early intervention programs, partly because of failure to make use of existing data. This project aims to capitalize on existing administrative data in two provinces to address this gap.
Objectives and ApproachTo identify and evaluate selected administrative databases (AD) from NB and PEI to create an intra-provincial Child Health Profile (CHP) and establish the foundation for a population-based birth cohort database in each province using existing administrative data. Integrated knowledge translation (iKT) was implemented to facilitate the continuous involvement of knowledge users and stakeholders, including provincial government managers/decision-makers, data custodians, health practitioners, parents and community organizations. Consultations were held to identify the AD of interest and develop a roadmap for the CHP. For each dataset, a list and description of data and analytical variables was produced and data access requested.
ResultsNot all AD identified are equally complete and accessible to researchers. Data access, preparation and linkage are challenging but feasible. This process was facilitated by iKT, which also contributes to capacity building. Several AD, mainly healthcare AD, including the Healthy Toddler Assessment and NutriSTEP, are currently accessible. An analytic framework was developed for pulling the data together and planning their analyses to produce the CHP. Based on the data currently accessible, the first CHP will focus on data at birth and at 18 months. Other databases (e.g., preschooler assessments) may be included subsequently. Work is underway to create workable datasets from which the CHP and roadmap for the birth cohort are being developed. This approach is scalable and can be extended to other jurisdictions.
Conclusion/ImplicationsSelect AD in NB and PEI are rich resources for establishing a comprehensive CHP and population-based birth cohort database in each province. These new tools will enable various stakeholders to monitor and report on child health over the long term, and to evaluate current practices and future health interventions.

IntroductionAdministrative health data (AHD) are typically not analyzed to produce evidence on the effectiveness and limitations of primary prevention programs and strategies. The value of AHD for answering research questions is generally recognized, but the challenges in accessing and using these data for research are not always know and documented.
Objectives and ApproachTo identify and advise on the facilitating factors and challenges of accessing select AHD in New Brunswick (NB) and Prince Edward Island (PEI) for the purpose of creating an intra-provincial Child Health Profile (CHP) and population-based birth cohort database, using existing AHD not been previously linked. This research is a cross-jurisdictional collaboration between NB and PEI with an integrated knowledge translation (iKT) approach that adheres to each province's unique data policies, data procedures, and data governance. The collaboration involves people in various roles: provincial government managers, policy-makers, data custodians, health practitioners, citizens, community organizations, in addition to academic researchers.
ResultsAccess to select AHD required considerable preparation, cross province coordination, and ongoing discussions over many months. Key facilitators were the NB Institute for Research, Data and Training, a newly established data repository that holds provincial AHD in NB, and the provincial health authority in PEI. In NB, the existence of well-documented protocols and support from designated personnel (including trained data analysts) were assets facilitating data access through the data repository. In PEI, REB approval was obtained more rapidly but challenges occurred in subsequent stages of data access directly through the health authority. This research supports the empowerment of stakeholders such as Public Health and researchers who are trying to leverage 'big data' resources to address research and practice questions regarding children's health.
Conclusion/ImplicationsAccessing AHD for the project was facilitated by the existence of well-documented protocols and other specialized resources that help streamline the process of data sharing while ensuring data privacy and security. Continued relationship-building among stakeholders is needed to facilitate and maximize the use of existing AHD in NB and PEI.