Tasmanian Data Linkage Unit: Supporting innovative research, planning and policy formulation in Australia through the provision of high-quality linked-data services.

Brian Stokes,Tim Albion,Alison Venn,Nadine Wiggins

doi:10.23889/ijpds.v4i2.1137

Brian Stokes, Tim Albion + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.23889/ijpds.v4i2.1137

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Abstract

As a member of the Population Health Research Network Australia, being an Australian collaboration established to support the use of linked data for research and other purposes, the Tasmanian Data Linkage Unit [TDLU) provides linked-data services in Australia’s smallest state, and as part of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the state’s only University, the University of Tasmania. The TDLU works in close collaboration with the Tasmanian Government Department of Health and other key stakeholders both in Tasmania and Australia representing government, education, research, and the community sector. The TDLU is one of the newest data linkage services in Australia, and the smallest node of the PHRN having operated for almost nine years by less than three full time equivalent staff. However, despite its size and relative maturity as a provider of linked-data services, the TDLU continues to grow the number of datasets linked on a routine and ad-hoc basis, the number of projects completed, the size of its Master Linkage Map and number of ‘keys’ stored in this Map. The TDLU places high-emphasis on security, privacy preservation, innovation, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement and providing responsive and exemplary services to users of linked-data.

Highlights

As a member of the Population Health Research Network Australia, being an Australian collaboration established to support the use of linked data for research and other purposes, the Tasmanian Data Linkage Unit [TDLU) provides linked-data services in Australia’s smallest state, and as part of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the state’s only University, the University of Tasmania
Tasmania is considered to have both a stable and ageing population, and regularly reports the slowest rate of population growth in Australia, with the broad consensus being that population growth is directly related to economic conditions [4]
The TDLU is located as part of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research (Menzies) in Hobart, which is an institute of the University and existing to perform internationally significant medical research leading to healthier, longer and better lives for Tasmanians

Summary

Introduction

Applicants for linked data must meet strict criteria including submitting a formal application to the TDLU, providing all relevant current Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approvals from authorised entities, and obtaining the support of all data custodians involved in the research. The TDLU applies a range of operating procedures, supported by policies, that minimise release of linkage keys that could identify an individual in the population.

Results

Conclusion