Linking Data From Multi-Sector Partnerships for a Comprehensive Investigation of Firearm Possession Policies: Benefits and Challenges

Background: Linked data sets provide more comprehensive information than single data sources alone. Obtaining data sets for linkages requires adherence to the data use agreements set forth by the home agency, which often prohibit sharing data with other entities. This project links data to the Wisconsin Violent Death Reporting System (WVDRS) to inform the current debate on evidence- and risk-based firearm possession criteria.  

Methods/Approach: The study team obtained WVDRS data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Additional data on criminal history and operating while intoxicated offenses are added through data use and sharing agreements with a private agency and two governmental agencies.

Results: Multi-sector partnerships were necessary to create linked data. The requirements for obtaining data differed according to the source, often requiring labor intensive data use agreements. Once data access permission was obtained between the study team and the data source, the study team had to navigate data sharing agreements in order to successfully link data across all three sources. Barriers with facilitating data access and sharing across a private company, two governmental agencies and an academic institution are described.

Conclusions: Linked data sets and partnerships are beneficial and necessary for comprehensive public health research—but there can be challenges. Overall, we hope that describing how we adhere to our rigorous research plan, while balancing the requirements of our academic institution and partners, and remaining sensitive to organizational cultures and expectations will benefit others who wish to utilize partnerships to comprehensively investigate public health issues through linked data.