Methods used to construct disability indicators in linked administrative datasets: a systematic scoping review

We found a paucity of evidence on methods for identifying a target population of people with diverse disabilities. In the existing literature, diagnostic information is relied upon heavily for disability identification, likely due to a lack of other types of disability-relevant information in administrative data sources. Use of derived disability indicators within linked data holds potential to advance research regarding people with disability. It is crucial, however, to conduct and report validation testing to understand the strengths and limitations of the indicators and inform their use for specific purposes.