Born in Bradford is a cohort study, this is a study where researchers look at data collected from a group of people who share something in common; for the Born in Bradford study this means being recruited whilst expecting a child, at Bradford Royal Infirmary, between 2007-2010.
The strength of a cohort study lies in the way that data and biological samples can be collected from a large number of people at repeated time points in their lives. All the data collected is being used by researchers to understand what happens to people from the womb onwards and how this is associated with well-being or ill health in later childhood and adulthood.
All mothers are provided with an information sheet before recruitment which explains the importance of linking the data Born in Bradford collects to their NHS records in order to capture these health outcomes. It is further explained in detail by the research administrators at the time of recruitment. Written consent is then obtained from the mothers on behalf of themselves and their children. Born in Bradford staff also undertake regular focus group discussions with mothers to discuss their understanding of the consent they have given and to confirm their original decision.
The most effective way for Born in Bradford to collect information on the health and wellbeing outcomes for mothers and children, and the educational outcomes for children, is to link with existing systems that routinely collect health data from hospitals and general practices and the Council systems that record educational progress.
To access primary care data we work with Systmone which is used by almost all general practices within the Bradford area. This will provide the Born in Bradford project with annual data about all current Born in Bradford participants and means that we can easily follow your health and your child’s health over the next 20 years.
To access education data we will be working with local Councils, primarily Bradford, to link to each child’s Unique Pupil Reference number.
You can find ‘In a Nutshell’ summaries of completed and on-going research here.
| Data source | Maternity notes | Maternity records | Health visitor | Primary care | Hospital | Education |
| Mother | X | X | X | X | ||
| Child | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Examples of data collected | Weight at booking
Blood pressure at booking |
How given birth
Gender of your child |
Childs height and weight
vaccinations received |
Date that you visited the doctor or practice nurse What the doctor or nurse prescribed for you |
How long you have stayed in hospital What operation or procedure you had |
SATs results |
