Finding Datasets for Secondary Analysis

The LSOA is a prospective study with a nationally representative sample comprised of 7,527 civilian noninstitutionalized persons 70 years of age and over at the time of their 1984 SOA interview. The LSOA followed this cohort of older persons through three followup interviews, conducted in 1986, 1988, and 1990.

Based on a sample of visits to office-based physicians primarily involved in direct patient care. Collects data about patients, their symptoms physician’s diagnoses, and medications, using a form filled out by the participating physicians.
Conducted annually, 1973-1981, 1985, 1989-

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a program of studies designed to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States. The survey is unique in that it combines interviews and physical examinations.
Data collected: 1971-1975, 1976-1980, 1982-1984, 1988-1994, annually since 1999 -

The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is the principal source of information on the health of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States, including the amount, distribution, and effects of illness and disability, and the health services used.
Data collected annually since 1957-

Collected from administrators and staff by interviews, about institutions (ownership, certification, number of patients seen, number and types of staff members) and current and discharged residents (demographics, functional status, health status, payment info, services used)
From administrator and staff interviews
Data collected: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000

A national survey based on a sample of visits to hospital outpatient department and emergency departments. Collects patient demographic information, triage information, patient complaint, and physician’s diagnosis and services, procedures and medications, and immunization provided. Extension of NAMCS.
Collected annually since 1992-

First survey of medical care delivery conducted by NCHS. Collects data from a national sample of records of patients discharged from short-state, non-federal hospitals. 270,000 sampled a year, from a national sample of about 500 hospitals.
Data include patient demographics, source of payment, discharge status, length of stay, diagnoses, and procedures performed. Used to calculate trends in hospital utilization, with breakdowns by gender and age category.
Collected annually since 1965-

Collects data on childhood immunization rates for children (ages of 19 and 35 months) living in the US.
Data collected annually since 1994-

Data collected from staff and administrators, through interviews and self-administered questionnaire, on facility (size, ownership and occupancy rate) and residents (demographics, health status and services received).
Data collected: 1973, 1974, 1977, 1985, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2004

Collects information about ambulatory as opposed to inpatient, surgery performed in hospitals and freestanding ambulatory surgery centers.
Data collected: 1994, 1995, 1996