Accessing Record Linkage Services
Below is a step by step guide to requesting a linkage.
1. Contact the Record Linkage Team
Contact the team to discuss requirements, timescales and likely cost, and to obtain advice on the feasibility of linkage and analytical proposals. See Contacts for more information.
2. Formulate your question
Summarise the aims of the linkage, taking into consideration any existing research papers. Definitions and additional information on the ISD held data can be found here. http://www.isdscotland.org/Products-and-Services/Data-Definitions-and-References/
3. Submit request in writing
On receipt of the written request, a detailed specification and estimated cost projection will be drawn up by the record linkage team.
4. Application to Privacy Advisory Committee
Data protection is always our primary concern and proposals are always subjected to close scrutiny in terms of the ethics of privacy and confidentiality.
If you wish to use Scottish Morbidity Records (SMRs) for medical research studies involving linking datasets then an application must be submitted to the Privacy Advisory Committee (PAC). For information on how to make an application please visit their website: http://www.nhsnss.org/pages/corporate/privacy_advisory_committee.php
5. Grant application (where required)
The record linkage team works in partnership with the Chief Scientists Office (CSO) on research using linked data. Researchers can take part in this scheme by sending the appropriate grant application to CSO. You can find detailed information on the role of CSO and instructions on how to make a grant application through their website http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/cso/
6. Submit data once PAC approval obtained
Where external data is being linked to ISD held data, arrange for secure transfer of the previously agreed dataset to a named member of the record linkage team.
7. Purchase Order
The charges for record linkage will vary depending on the complexity of the specification. The team will provide an estimate of cost in response to your written request (Step 3) and you should provide a purchase order number for the payment of this.
8. Results will be transferred by secure method in agreed format
An approved secure transfer mechanism will be used to send the results from ISD.
9. Final invoice
An invoice will be raised following the release of the data.
