Re: Statistical analysis of anonymous databases

At 15:53 5/31/96, David Wagner wrote:

>How about a simple non-technical solution?  Each patient picks a
>random pseudonym; the database is keyed off that pseudonym, and the
>person's True Name(tm) never appears in the database.  Patients
>should remember their pseudonym (or write it down); then they can
>add information to the database.

In medical research, third party audit, i.e., the Department of Health and
Human Services, is often required. A simple pseudonym picked by the patient
won't do.


Disclaimer: My opinions are my own, not those of my employer.

-- Lucky Green <mailto:shamrock@netcom.com>
   PGP encrypted mail preferred.

> In medical research, third party audit, i.e., the Department of Health and
> Human Services, is often required. A simple pseudonym picked by the patient
> won't do.

   It's not clear to me that the second sentence follows from the first.

   All the time, in medical or official identification situations 
(clearances,  weapons permits, etc) I'm asked how tall I am. I can't 
remember ever being measured. Thus, the answer I give about my height, 
might as well be "made up" by me.

I guess they do have to bother measuring homocide victims - they can't 
talk......