About Data Linkage

We aim to provide data that is both detailed and accurate. Data linkage plays a key role in maximising the value of Generation Scotland’s research data and can help to raise new research questions or to replicate current findings. It also allows continued follow-up of our participants without requiring re-contact. We have successful linkage to health record data for >93% of the GS cohort. Scotland’s mature data linkage infrastructure enables linkage to datasets dating back to the 1980s and earlier, providing more extensive longitudinal data than any other UK nation. We have access to unique datasets such as population-wide NHS medical imaging, dental and optician data. Additionally, we plan to link to administrative datasets such as Census, Education and Department for Work and Pensions records. 

Our linkage uses the Community Health Index (CHI), which is Scotland’s health care population register. The CHI register is the key to all patient data collected by the NHS in Scotland, which we can now link to our current participants who have given consent. 

GP data is limited to only GP practices that have provided consent to share their data. During the pandemic this requirement was waived and therefore any studies involving COVID-19 can use the full primary care dataset. We are working to resolve the complex governance and consent issues. 

Download our linked data summary data dictionary to see information about each dataset including descriptions, data coverage, counts and variables available within each dataset.

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Our Access Process

Our Access Policy

Research Publications