Local.PD.Linkage.Definition.Individual Explanation

Local.PD.Linkage.Definition.Individual is typically a configuration within the EMPI (Enterprise Master Patient Index) process that uses the "NICE" approach for patient data matching. Specifically, it handles these four steps:

1. Normalize: Standardizes patient data (e.g., converting to lower case, removing punctuation).
2. Index: Creates indexes based on specific patient fields for matching.
3. Compare: Assigns weights based on data field matches to calculate a final score.
4. Evaluate: Decides actions based on the score thresholds, such as automatic linking or requiring human confirmation [1].

The Local.PD.Linkage.Definition.Individual setup would use weights assigned to different parameters for accurate matching. Positive weights increase the likelihood of being treated as a match, while negative weights reduce it.

If using the MLE Calibration Monitor indicates that values should not be negative, it's possible that the weights for Given Name or Family Name need optimization, so that logical matches are identified based on thresholds such as autolink or review thresholds defined in configuration [1].

Sources:

The agreement weight is the basic amount to add if they agree. The disagreement weight is the basic amount to add if they disagree. That's why the latter is negative. Tuning is complicated: You need representative data that has both records that agree and records that disagree.