Exploring the use of interactive data dashboards as a tool to support a data‐driven approach to whole‐school health improvement: Case studies from the DATAMIND project in Wales and Scotland

Abstract School is an important setting for supporting young people's healthy development and positive mental wellbeing. Recent curriculum changes in Scotland and Wales reflect this, adopting a whole‐school approach to health and wellbeing as a central pedagogical focus and responsibility of all working in the sector. Alongside education system reform, there is a growing recognition of the need for health improvement decision‐making in schools to take a data‐driven approach. Interactive data dashboards are data visualisation tools that can facilitate quick information processing and effective decision‐making. The Schools Health and Wellbeing Improvement Research Network (SHINE) in Scotland and the School Health Research Network (SHRN) in Wales have been exploring interactive data dashboards as tools for sharing health and wellbeing data with teachers, pupils and parents. This paper explores the views of Local Authority staff, teachers and pupils on the potential application of interactive data dashboards within the school setting to inform health improvement planning. Findings suggest that these offer an accessible tool that could promote cross‐curricular health and wellbeing learning, strengthen the link between home and school life, and engage education and community partners in data‐informed health and wellbeing promotion. However, the needs of the school community must remain central in the dashboard design process. Implications for health and wellbeing data‐related practices within the school community and future directions are discussed.