Increasing Access to Health Administrative Data with ICES Data & Analytic Services

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Data Science
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) in Ontario holds significant health administrative data.
• Historically, data access was limited to ICES-affiliated scientists, hindering broader research use.
• Privacy and security protocols were primary drivers for these access restrictions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase access to health administrative data for external researchers.
• To support the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research through enhanced data accessibility.
• To foster collaboration and new research avenues by engaging a wider scientific community.

Main Methods:

• Development and launch of the Data & Analytic Services platform by ICES.
• Implementation of new protocols to facilitate external investigator access to linked health data.
• Leveraging existing health administrative data assets for broader analytical purposes.

Main Results:

• Expanded access to ICES data resources for researchers outside the institute.
• Facilitation of increased engagement with front-line care investigators.
• Stimulation of novel research questions and collaborative projects previously unfeasible.

Conclusions:

• The Data & Analytic Services platform has successfully broadened access to valuable health administrative data.
• This initiative promotes patient-oriented research and strengthens the research ecosystem in Ontario.
• Increased data accessibility is key to advancing health policy and practice through evidence generation.