Access to Western Australian linked data is granted to researchers who:

  • Have obtained approval from the relevant Data Custodians to ensure the data requested is appropriate for the purpose of the research.
  • Have obtained approval from the relevant Human Research Ethics Committee/s (HRECs) to conduct their proposed research.

Strict protocols must be followed to ensure the confidentiality and security of linked data. Wherever possible, research should be conducted using unidentifiableWhere identifiers (e.g. name, address, full date of birth) have been removed and there is no means to reidentify specific individuals. data.

Applicants must read the DLB Access Policy, Practice Code for the Use of Personal Health Information and are advised to speak to the relevant Data Custodians before applying to DOHWADepartment of Health Western Australia for data. Please also investigate whether your project will require approval by the DOHWA HRECDepartment of Health Western Australia Human Research Ethics Committee (see the Ethics page).

The following conditions surround the use of WA linked data:

  • Data provided can only be used for the specific project that has been approved. It must not be combined with other datasets or used for other projects.
  • Only the approved personnel listed in the Application for Data may have access to the data extract.
  • Data extracts or client lists for linkage must never be sent via email.
  • Data should always be encrypted and be delivered/collected in person at the DOHWA Royal Street offices wherever possible.
  • When stored on a computer, disc or other media, data files must always be password protected.
  • All data to be linked by the DLB should have a unique identifier assigned to each client record.
  • All projects require at least one investigator based in WA.

We also ask that researchers supply a research protocol with their application and a brief plain English summary of their project. The summary and protocol will be made available on the DLB website for one month after approval as part of the ongoing promotion of data linkageThe process of establishing whether two or more pieces of information belong to or describe the same person, family, event, place or time period. and research to the community.