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Pandemic-ready data: Linking the Socio-Economic Panel with administrative health records

Author

Listed:
  • Lepe, Alexander
  • Kolodziej, Ingo
  • Zinn, Sabine

Abstract

This paper examines the gaps in Germany's pandemic data infrastructure revealed during COVID-19 and argues that linking the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) with administrative health records would strengthen the country's ability to monitor infectious diseases and their social distribution. Drawing on evidence from the RKI-SOEP study, we illustrate the added value of combining a rich household survey with infectious disease data. We discuss why such linkages remain limited in Germany, outline practical possibilities for implementation, and show how integration could support more timely and equitable evidence during future public health crises while also enabling broader health and social research.

Suggested Citation

  • Lepe, Alexander & Kolodziej, Ingo & Zinn, Sabine, 2025. "Pandemic-ready data: Linking the Socio-Economic Panel with administrative health records," Ruhr Economic Papers 1187, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:335895
    DOI: 10.4419/96973372
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Carsten Schröder & Theresa Entringer & Jan Goebel & Markus M. Grabka & Daniel Graeber & Martin Kroh & Hannes Kröger & Simon Kühne & Stefan Liebig & Jürgen Schupp & Johannes Seebauer & Sabine Zinn, 2020. "COVID-19 Is Not Affecting All Working People Equally," SOEPpapers on Multidisciplinary Panel Data Research 1083, DIW Berlin, The German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP).
    2. Riccardo D’Alberto & Meri Raggi, 2024. "Integrating rather than collecting: statistical matching in the data flood era," Statistical Papers, Springer, vol. 65(4), pages 2135-2163, June.
    3. Lüthen Holger & Schröder Carsten & Grabka Markus M. & Goebel Jan & Mika Tatjana & Brüggmann Daniel & Ellert Sebastian & Penz Hannah, 2022. "SOEP-RV: Linking German Socio-Economic Panel Data to Pension Records," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 242(2), pages 291-307, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C89 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Other
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I19 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Other

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