Data application / access process

Steps to access and use data within the Patron primary care data repository - researchers should:

  1. Check whether the Patron dataset contains data that could help you answer your research questions by looking at the Patron databook (contact us for more detailed information about data fields). Applicants should ensure sufficient computing power to analyse big datasets that contain multiple tables and potentially millions of rows.
  2. Login to the Patron Data Access Request portal.  Complete and submit the required sections for quote and feasibility.  Please allow 7-14 days.  Please contact us if you have any questions.
  3. If quote and feasibility are agreed, complete the full application and submit before the application deadline (see next section).
  4. Obtain ethics approval from an NHMRC approved ethics committee.  A copy of the full ethics application and approval letter need to be provided prior to receiving data. It can be helpful to have ethics approval prior to the Data Governance Committee review of your application.
  5. If approval is granted by the Data Governance Committee, liaise with the Patron Administrator to complete and sign the Data Access legal Agreement (or MOU for University of Melbourne applicants). The legal agreement stipulates compliance obligations with the ethical, legal and regulatory obligations related to privacy, data management and security; and payment of charges as specified in the agreement (see summary of the legal agreement and researcher checklist).
  6. All researchers accessing Patron data must sign a Data Access Acknowledgment for Individuals form and complete the brief, online compliance training module housed in the Patron Data Users' Community of Practice site.
  7. Approved applicants work with Patron technical staff to refine the study dataset. Approved Data Recipients should update the data management components of their online application once more information is known about how they will access/store their tranche of data.
  8. Within one month, review the delivered dataset to ensure it meets specification.

Flowchart of steps for accessing Patron data.

Introduction to working with Patron 'Big data'  by Dr Christine Hallinan