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Health, Mental Health & Social Care

In this theme, we explore patterns of care in Scotland and the factors impacting on the types of care people have access to and receive (whether provided by health services, social care providers, or informally by family or friends), and how different types of health and care impact on one another.

Health, mental health and social care are central to Scotland’s public service priorities. This theme supports research into integrated care systems, recognising ongoing challenges in linking data across services.

Lead: Professor Iain Atherton, Edinburgh Napier University

Image shows two hands holding up a book with the words 'Mental Health', surrounded by illustrations. In the background, people are sitting in a circle of chairs.

There is a wide range of health and social care data available and emerging datasets – including an Adult Health, Social Care and Census Scotland flagship dataset, a dataset which brings together the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)’s UK-wide register with the Census 2021 for England and Wales (Scottish version being developed), and the Equalities Protected Characteristics dataset – will enable new insights into workforce dynamics, population health and inequalities in access to services and outcomes.

Health, mental health and social care are central to Scotland’s public service priorities. This theme aligns with the 2025/26 Programme for Government (PfG), Scotland’s Public Service Reform Strategy, Population Health Framework and Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework, with a focus on prevention, early intervention, equity and long-term system sustainability across services.

A significant outcome of ADR Scotland’s collaboration with the Scottish Government has been its contribution to the development of the Social Care Analytical Unit: Areas of Research Interest (ARI), 2026–2029, which highlights priorities such as care pathways, future demand and the role of unpaid care. We can provide information to government and society about the sources of inequalities in access to health and social care, and the impact this can have on outcomes for people.

Our research also helps policymakers and service providers better understand the whole picture of care in Scotland, and plan for the future.

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