A Work and Health Research Data Platform (AWAHRD)

The availability and accessibility of occupational health data remains a challenge in the UK for research to inform and support policies and practices to reduce work-related ill-health. One of the challenges is that occupational data is not collected systematically with routine health data. Even when occupational data is collected, comparability of measures across datasets is often challenging. However, advances in the UK data science landscape on electronic health hand administrative data and for secure analysis are offering novel opportunities for data sharing of sensitive data. These advancements provide an opportunity to advance the work and health research landscape. 

A consortium led by the University of Manchester and the University of Glasgow, in collaboration with the Universities of Bristol, Edinburgh, King’s College London and UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration was awarded an NIHR Work and Health Development Award (AWAHRD; NIHR 206271). 

The main aim of this project was to explore whether it would be possible to develop a comprehensive data platform, bringing together information on data sets that could be used and linked to investigate relationships between work and health. We also set out to gather a public perspective of the understanding, acceptability and use of occupational data in research as well as linking occupational data to other routinely collected data. 

As part of this development project, we created an inventory of UK occupational and general population cohorts, surveys that capture data on occupation, occupational health, and/or occupational exposures, and an array of Job Exposure Matrices (JEMs). Using this information, we developed a prototype of A Work and Health Research Data (AWAHRD) platform to showcase the basic functions and utility of such a tool for research.

For more information, please contact: Evangelia (Lia) Demou, evangelia.demou@glasgow.ac.uk

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External collaborators

University of Manchester  

University of Bristol 

King’s College London 

University of Edinburgh 

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A digital infographic about the AWAHRD (A Work and Health Research Data) platform. It describes the project's aim to improve access to work and health data for research. The infographic highlights public perceptions of using occupational data in public health research, based on a survey of 10 public contributors. The design includes a blue text section on the left and a red-tinted image of a worker using a scale on the right. The slide is labeled

 

An infographic summarising key learnings from research on occupational data in public health. It highlights that 100% of responses support linking occupational data to health and non-health data if anonymised and consented to. It outlines benefits, such as understanding links between occupation and diseases, predicting retirement ages, and reclassifying diseases as occupational. Challenges include consistent job terminology, employees not declaring health issues, and considering unpaid work.

An infographic on the acceptability of employers sharing anonymised data for research purposes, such as sickness absence rates by job type. It states that 100% of respondents were positive, with 50% requiring conditions like anonymity, trust and transparency, and security safeguards. A highlighted

An infographic on what type of occupational data workers deem acceptable for employers to share. Examples include hours worked, shift times, pay, sickness, absence reason, training level, employer support overtime, risks at work, and harassment at work. A highlighted

Back page of flyer featuring logos of collaborators, funders and further information

Infographic 2 about AWAHRD: A Work and Health Research Data Platform

Infographic showing a discussion about the perceived benefits of data linkage

Infographic showing a discussion about the perceived risks and concerns around data linkage

Infographic showing suggestions on mitigating risks associated with data linkage, such as legislative guidance, accessible communication, and ensuring data security.

Information on collaborators and funding, mentioning the consortium led by University of Manchester and University of Glasgow, and the project's aim to develop a comprehensive data platform. Contact details for Professor Martie van Tongeren and Dr. Evangelia Demou are provided

Title page with the project name

Infographic section on Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)

Infographic showing details on the development of an inventory of UK occupational and general population cohorts, exposure assessment tools, and the creation of the AWAHRD platform prototype. Discusses the feasibility and value of the platform for research.

Infographic showing benefits of the AWAHRD data platform for health research, emphasising enhanced accessibility and the ability to conduct various studies.

Back page of flyer mentioning funding from NIHR and and contact details of Professor Martie van Tongeren and Dr Evangelia Demou

MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit logo 800 wide