Is your Patron data safe from cyber attacks?
In an age of increasing digital threats, researchers want to know what systems are in place to keep Patron data safe.
In response to the growing number of global cyber-security challenges, the Data for Decisions program is committed to safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of your sensitive healthcare information.
The program utilises GRHANITE software for data collection, audits, clinical research and health surveillance. The software is designed to work in any environment where data is being routinely collected and addresses the many complex legal, ethical, organisational, and technical barriers that prevent or hinder such vital activities in Australia. More information can be found in our GRHANITE Information Flyer or on the Health and Biomedical Research Information Technology Unit website.
Once collected, the data is collated in the Patron data repository, which is physically housed within a secure University of Melbourne data centre. No data within the Patron dataset is stored within an off-shore server or outside University controlled server environments.
Visit the Data for Decisions website to access a wealth of important information on the Security and Privacy matters related to this program of research. If you have any specific questions or comments relating to security, you can contact Patron Administration patron-support@unimelb.edu.au.
Spotlight on Recent Patron Data Usage
Dr. Jun Jung from the Department of General Practice and Primary Care recently presented his work to the Department of Health and Aged Care Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Standing Committee, particularly focusing on the proportion of cases receiving STI guideline recommended care. His study ‘The gonorrhoea care cascade in general practice: a descriptive study to explore gonorrhoea management utilising electronic medical records’, utilised Patron data to explore gonorrhoea detection and management across 72 general practices in Victoria from January 2018 to December 2020.
Further details can be found in:
Key Publication: Jung J., et al. (2025) The gonorrhoea care cascade in general practice: a descriptive study to explore gonorrhoea management utilising electronic medical records. Sexual Health 22, SH24140. https://doi.org/10.1071/SH24140
If you would like to discover more research using Patron data, head to the D4D website and click on the Publication tab.
2025 Patron Data Access Applications
Researchers interested in accessing Patron data in 2025 should note the following application deadlines:
- Friday 22 June 2025 for review by the independent Data Governance Committee in July 2025
- Friday 22 August 2025 for review by the independent Data Governance Committee in September 2025
- Friday 24 October 2025 for review by the independent Data Governance Committee in November 2025