Apply for linked data
This diagram briefly describes the steps involved in applying
for linked data. More detailed information about each of
these steps is provided below.
Step 1 - Plan your study
Comprehensive information regarding the datasets, variables and
linkage process is available on this website. Please review
this information before submitting an application for
data.
Step 2 - Contact the CHeReL
Contact the Research Project Manager (ph 02 8374 3515 or email
cherel@cancerinstitute.org.au)
to discuss your study. We will also provide an approximate
cost for the linkage for your study.
Step 3 - Complete the Application for Data form
The Application for Data form (AFD)
provides an outline of your project: the datasets,
variables and linkage required. Variable lists for each
of the collections are available on the data dictionaries page of this
website. Please email the completed form and lists to
the Research Project Manager at cherel@cancerinstitute.org.au
We forward these to the relevant custodians for review and feedback
- this allows the CHeReL and data custodians to make
suggestions and identify potential problems early in the
application process. The CHeReL collates this feedback and
forwards to the researcher within 2-3 weeks of receiving the
AFD.
Step 4 - Amend the AFD and finalise the National Ethics
Application Form and Research Protocol
As necessary, amend the AFD according to the feedback provided
by the CHeReL and data custodians
All studies using linked data must obtain appropriate ethics
approval - studies linking NSW Department of Health data must seek
approval from the NSW Population and Health Service Research Ethics
Committee. This committee requires submission of a National Ethics Application Form and a Research
Protocol (template available at:
http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/media/129193/2011-07-research-protocol-template.doc).
For advice and guidance regarding the ethical issues of your study,
please contact the ethics secretariat at: ethics@cancerinstitute.org.au
Ensure that the information in the NEAF and protocol regarding
the datasets and linkage is identical to that specified in the
AFD. If the two sets of information differ, there may
be significant delays in the approval of the study and provision of
data, as amendments and/or additional data custodian approvals will
need to be obtained.
Email these documents (amended AFD, variable lists, NEAF and
protocol) to the CHeReL.
Step 5 - The CHeReL forwards the application documents to the
data custodians for approval and provides a technical feasibility
letter and written quote to the researcher
The CHeReL will provide you with a technical feasibility letter
(based on the information contained in the AFD), stating that the
linkage is feasible and we are able to do it.
A written quote is provided for the linkage. Our quotes
are valid for a period of one year. Please note that some
data custodians charge a fee for extraction of data from their
collections.
The CHeReL forwards your application documents (final AFD,
variable lists, NEAF and protocol) to the relevant data custodians
for approval. The custodian provides sign-off and sends the
approval letters to the CHeReL.
Step 6 - Submit application documents to the NSW Population
& Health Services Research Ethics Committee
When you have received the data custodian approvals and CHeReL
technical feasibility letter, submit your application documents to
the ethics committee. These documents should include the
Application for Data form and variable lists, NEAF, project
protocol, CHeReL technical feasibility letter and data custodian
sign-off forms. Please check the ethics committee website for other documents
that may be required.
When the ethics committee grant approval for your study,
please contact the CHeReL so we can schedule your linkage.
