Data Linkage

The University of Glasgow Schools Health and Wellbeing Improvement Research Network (SHINE) worked with young people, parents/carers and teachers to produce video and infographic materials around data linkage.

This forms part of SHINE's ambition to link data from their mental health survey to wider education and health records.

Working with pupils in-person at schools across Scotland as well as with teachers and parents/carers online, the project team engaged people in conversations about data linkage and mental health in schools. The team held eight focus groups in five primary and secondary schools across Scotland and developed resources based on the participants’ inputs.  

Discussions focused on concerns and barriers around linking self-reported data about pupils with other data sources so pupils can make informed decisions about providing information to researchers.  

The video and infographic will be shared in Spring 2024 on the website and through webinars as part of a toolkit for schools and researchers at Glasgow University School of Health and Wellbeing, ensuring that conversations continue even after the project has ended. The resources will help pupils, parents and teachers understand the use of data in research, how data linkage works and the wider public benefits.