Data Linkage

Data linkage is the process of connecting and combining information from different sources about the same individual or entity. This can include matching records from various databases to create a more complete picture. For example, linking medical records to social services data can help researchers understand health outcomes. Data linkage is important for analysis, improving services, and informing policy decisions. It requires careful handling of personal information to ensure privacy and security, often using techniques to anonymize data while still allowing valuable insights to be drawn from the combined information.