Providing census data for general practice. 1. Feasibility.

Abstract

The availability of census data to general practice is limited by the form of publication, restricted access to computerized data and the technical difficulties of linking computerized information to a practice population. In a feasibility study it is shown how a population registered with a general practice may be linked through postcodes to computerized enumeration district data. Examples of the data available are discussed together with current problems of postcode/enumeration district mismatch. Suggestions are made for ensuring that general practitioners have access to the 1991 census data.