Overview

Using secondary data for your research project can be an efficient and useful method of addressing your research questions.

This guidance is still under development.

Ethical considerations

When working with this type of data researchers and reviewers are asked to consider the following:

Is the proposed research in line with the participants original consent? Can the data source provide assurances on participants original consent?
Will the proposed research and use, management and storage of the data meet with the data sources requirements? Have all the appropriate documents been completed and permissions granted?
Will the data source be acknowledged and referenced?
Are there any copyright issues around the data?
How will the data be managed? By pulling together several data sources is there any risk of de-anonymising participants?
Will using this data or combining it with other data risk bias or ‘profiling’ of a particular group?
How will the data or the analysis be presented? Will this continue to ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of participants?
Will the data identify individuals as being at risk of a condition or disease where they may have otherwise been unaware?