VIReC Database and Methods Seminar

Ascertaining Veterans' Vital Status: VA Data Sources for Mortality Ascertainment and Cause of Death

by Charles Maynard, PhD
Seminar date: 3/7/2022

Description: This session will describe the components of the VA Vital Status Files as well as the SPatient table and how they can be used for research purposes. Additional death databases, such as the National Death Index and state death certificates, will also be discussed.

Objectives:
• Identify data sources for Veteran vital status ascertainment
• Understand the contents and structure of the VA Vital Status Files and their appropriate use for mortality ascertainment
• Describe the respective strengths and limitations of available VA data sources for mortality ascertainment
• Identify other relevant sources of death data including the National Death Index and state death certificates
• Demonstrate how these data resources can be used in research studies

View archived session video:

DOWNLOAD: PDF handout | Audio only (mp3) | transcript not yet available

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