The client reference code is used to model the approximate number of unique individuals accessing publicly-funded harm reduction services in Ontario. In other words, it allows service providers and policy makers to estimate how many people are being served by harm reduction programs.
The client reference code in NEO is not treated as any sort of "client record" or chart, which would typically hold real personal information about an individual. Rather, it is a data element used to assess population health.
While collecting this data anonymously and safely can be a challenge, such population-level data is particularly important in assessing the ongoing health of marginalized or stigmatized populations who may otherwise not access Ontario's healthcare system, and therefore about whom very little data is known.
Population health assessment and surveillance are a key part of maintaining public health. Read more about Ontario's Population Health Assessment and Surveillance Protocol here.
