Data access and management

Data are valuable products in research. Data may be collected directly by a researcher or accessed via secondary sources, in both cases a well-developed plan is essential.

The type, volume, personnel involved, and the purpose for the data should be explicitly described in the research protocol. In all cases, it is good practice to seek approval from a Data Custodian when performing research during the planning phase. eHealth Queensland have provided a checklist for researchers to complete prior to applying for data access, available here.

Access and use of data outside of Queensland Health e.g., from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is suitable for some research questions. Researchers may also find collaborating with our research groups will enable access to data elsewhere.

The NHMRC have published Principles for access and using publicly funded data for health research and the Australian Research Data Commons provides a range of resources for researchers on using and handling data.