[Good Practice of Secondary Data Analysis (GPS): guidelines and recommendations]

Area of Science:

• Social Medicine and Prevention
• Epidemiology
• Secondary Data Analysis

Context:

• Established in 2005 by the Working Group for the Survey and Utilisation of Secondary Data (AGENS).
• Revised in 2008 and updated to its third version in 2012.
• Accredited as implementation regulations of Good Epidemiological Practice (GEP).

Purpose:

• To formulate a standard for conducting secondary data analyses.
• To serve as a guide for planning, conducting, and contracting secondary data analyses.
• To establish a basis for assessing the quality of scientific publications.

Summary:

• The 11 guidelines encompass ethical principles, study planning, quality assurance, data preparation, data privacy, contractual conditions, and responsible communication of results.
• Includes explanations and practical recommendations for users.
• Targets researchers, data owners, authors, referees, and readers involved in secondary data analysis.

Impact:

• Enhances the quality and reliability of secondary data analyses in social medicine and epidemiology.
• Facilitates standardized data handling and contractual agreements between data owners and analysts.
• Promotes responsible scientific communication and aids in the critical appraisal of research publications.