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# Overview - Data Linkage Hub

> The data linkage hub encompasses all things data linkage, from documenting the existing state of linkage in NHS England in the Person_ID handbook, to exploring better matching algorithms using probabilistic models and Splink, to creating a Quality Assurance Framework for Data Linkage.

Data Linkage is a business-critical process within many government organisations, including NHS England. Being able to link patients across their care journey enables both direct care services and research studies on admin data, which in turn, influences healthcare policies. So taking care of this important service is why the Data Linkage hub was created in the new NHS England.

The role of the Data Linkage hub in NHS England includes:

- identifying points of collaboration with other government departments
- mapping the stakeholders involved in data linkage - both internal and external
- feeding user needs to the Data Linkage vision

## Work we do

Info

Click each heading to find out more!

### Quality Assurance Framework

If we want to achieve a consistent and high quality approach to linking data, which allows for robust, transparent and auditable results, we also need a framework to operate within. Hence, this workstream aims at creating, testing and implementing in the business process a Quality Assurance Framework for Data Linkage.

### Better Matching Algorithm

We're currently working on implementing a probabilistic linkage model using Splink, in order to improve linkage outcomes, and by extension, patient outcomes.

### Community of Practice

We are fostering a community of practice in NHS England to help people do the best linkage they can, and encourage them to be connected with the cross-government Data Linkage Champions network. The community of practice is open to any data linkage stakeholders in NHS England - to join the community of practice go here.

### MPS Documentation

We have been documenting how the Person_ID is generated via the Master Person Service, to make the current process of linking data in the NHS more transparent and easy to understand.

#

Output | Link
--- | ---
MPS Diagnostics | Github
Person_ID Handbook | NHS England Website
Quality Assurance Framework | Work in Progress Link
Community of Practice (internal only) | Teams Channel