What is Metadata?

The term metadata refers to "data about data" or explanatory notes that describe each Secure IBIS-PH dataset. As a public health professional or researcher, you must apply for and receive a secure login before you can access and search the Secure IBIS-PH datasets. Metadata will help you to know whether or not the dataset will meet your needs before you apply for access. It will also help you better understand the datasets and how to appropriately interpret the data after you have access to the datasets.

What Does Metadata Tell Me?

Metadata contains explanatory notes that answer the following questions:

Why is this query important?
What measure does this query contain?

• How were these measures derived?
• Numerator
• Denominator
• Rates
• How can these measures be used?
• What are the limitations of these measures?
  

What variables are contained in this query, and how are they defined?
What are the definitions of each variable contained in the query?
What are the variable groups contained in this query?
What are the possible ways of viewing this data?
What geographic areas does this query describe?
What time period does the query describe?
What is the purpose of this data set?
Where does this data come from?
What are the limitations of the data?
How is the data reported?
What has been done to ensure the data's integrity?
What else should I know about this query?
Who is the contact person?

How Can I Access Metadata?

Metadata is currently being developed and is expected to be available Summer 2011. When it is available, you can either link to metadata documents by following the links below or search for metadata in the IBIS-PH system.

• Cancer
• Inpatient Hospital Discharge
• Emergency Department Encounters
• Blood Lead
• Mortality
• Births
• Birth Defects