Nursing and Midwifery Council Register linked to Census 2021 – England and Wales
The Nursing and Midwifery Council Register linked to Census 2021 – England and Wales is a new dataset that brings together data to enhance our understanding of the wider dynamics of the nursing and midwifery professions, which can help to support regulation of these key professions.
The dataset was made available for accredited researchers to apply to access in the Integrated Data Service. This marks the first ADR UK flagship dataset that can be accessed in this way. The Integrated Data Service is the new cloud-based trusted research environment being delivered by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) holds a register of everyone meeting the standards required to practise as nurses, nursing associates and midwives across the UK. Data made available from the NMC register includes information on the individual’s length of time on the register, and whether the individual is a qualified practising nurse, nursing associate, or midwife (or whether they are dual qualified). For nurses, information is also included on whether they are registered as an adult, children, mental health, or learning disability nurse.
Data that might be used in research includes:
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Professional information: Country of initial training; institution where qualified; pre- and post-registration qualifications
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Geographic information: Place of residence; place of employment
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Personal information: Age; gender; ethnicity; disability; sexual orientation
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Employment information: Scope of practice; work setting; date of leaving the register (2018 – 2021).
Linkage of this data to the Census 2021 for England and Wales enables analysis of the demographic, geographic and social dimensions of the nursing and midwifery professions. This might include people’s experiences of health, housing and caring responsibilities.
Research using the dataset has the potential to generate better evidence on the drivers of recruitment, retention and professional progression, informing decisions in policy and practice to improve these measures. Ultimately, there is potential for significant benefits to the UK public, as the research could inform improved support for nursing and midwifery professionals in delivering vital healthcare.
The dataset is the result of a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University and the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (part of ADR Scotland), the NMC, and the ONS. Work is continuing to enable data to be made available across the UK, including through the SAIL Databank and the Scottish National Safe Haven, for accredited researchers and approved projects.