Free online training module
A free online researcher training module is available from the PHRN to help researchers better understand linked data and navigate the access and approval process.
High Level Application Process
1. Researchers complete a PHRN online application to initiate the application and approval process for SA, NT data, or other Australian juristictional data.
2. Clarifiation and initial inquires can also be made to SA NT DataLink - santdatalink@unisa.edu.au
3. A member of SA NT DataLink Research Advisory and Metadata (Client Services) Team reviews the application form, provides feedback and facilitates any meeting with Researchers, Data Custodians and Data Providers.
A quotation can be prepared as well as a Letter of Feasibility to accompany any ethics application.
4. Data Custodians provide their conditions and grant 'In Principle' approval for researchers to access the research data.
5. Once 'In Principle' approval is received from Data Custodians, Researchers may then proceed to apply for ethical approval/s.
6. The completed PHRN Online Application form with full supporting documents (i.e Copy of Ethical Application & Approvals, full list of requested analytical variables and justification, Signed Deeds of Confidentiality and Compliance for people accessing the data) are submitted to each participating Data Custodian for their final approval.
7. Once final approval from all Data Custodians are obtained, SA NT DataLink will undertake a final governance review and create project specific linkage keys for the cohort of interest, using the data records within the SA NT Master Linkage File, and other project specific data.
8. Data Custodians will receive from SA NT DataLink the project specific linkage keys (PSLKs) that link the research population cohort associated with the approved project to the data held by the Data Custodian.
9. Data Custodians will use these PSLKs keys to extract the approved researchable data variables, removing all identifiers (e.g.names).
10. The resultant file(s) will then be provided to the researcher for analysis.
Note: A dataset that is not part of the Master Linkage File will add delay due to the 'acquisition process' of datasets.
It is a condition of accessing data through DataLink that 30 days prior to the release of research findings and publications, a copy must be provided to each participating Data Custodian, not for embargo but to enable feedback and assurance of privacy by Custodians.
For access to Australian Government data including MBS, PBS, Centrelink, Aged Care, Disability (NDIS), National Death Index, National Immunisation Registry please follow Step 1. above noting that as a condition for accessing this data at a unit record level, the data is securely stored and accessed remotely in a secure data laboratory. Please liaise with SA NT DataLink for more information.
The PHRN online application can be accessed here.