Population Data Centre Profile - The Western Australian Data Linkage Branch.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Data Management

Background:

• The Western Australian Data Linkage Branch (DLB), established in 1995, is Australia's longest-running data linkage agency.
• It utilizes the Western Australian Data Linkage System (WADLS), supporting over 60 data collections with proprietary software and IT infrastructure.
• DLB has a history of significant data linkage innovations, many adopted nationally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the current status and future direction of the Western Australian Data Linkage Branch (DLB).
• To describe the impact of a departmental restructure on DLB's operational model and funding.
• To highlight the value of DLB's services for research, policy, and public health.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the established Western Australian Data Linkage System (WADLS).
• Leveraging internally developed software and IT infrastructure for data linkage.
• Describing a departmental restructure aimed at improving funding, governance, and data availability.

Main Results:

• DLB has supported over 800 research projects, leading to more than 2350 publications.
• Linked data has informed policy development, service delivery, and public health initiatives.
• A restructure is anticipated to enhance staff retention, capacity, customer service, and data management.

Conclusions:

• The Western Australian Data Linkage Branch (DLB) has a proven track record of delivering high-quality data linkage services.
• An improved funding model and departmental commitment will foster a sustainable and efficient future for data linkage in Western Australia.
• DLB's services are crucial for advancing research and improving public health outcomes.