Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34095522›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of population data science2018

Challenges in accessing routinely collected data from multiple providers in the UK for primary studies: Managing the morass.

Fiona V Lugg-Widger, Lianna Angel, Rebecca Cannings-John, Kerenza Hood, Kathryn Hughes, Gwenllian Moody, Michael Robling

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in International journal of population data science, 2018. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 24 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
24citing papers in PubMed, 2 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

24 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

  1. Equitable inclusion of patients with cancer on the palliative care register: a systematic review in primary care.The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners · 2025
    Pooled it
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Fiona V Lugg-WidgerCentre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park Way, Cardiff CF14 4YS.
Lianna AngelCentre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park Way, Cardiff CF14 4YS.
Rebecca Cannings-JohnCentre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park Way, Cardiff CF14 4YS.
Kerenza HoodCentre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park Way, Cardiff CF14 4YS.
Kathryn HughesDivision of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, UHW Main Building, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN.
Gwenllian MoodyCentre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park Way, Cardiff CF14 4YS.
Michael RoblingCentre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park Way, Cardiff CF14 4YS.

Funding

Cancer Research UK 25350Medical Research Council MR/K023233/1
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionResearchers are increasingly using routinely collected data in addition to, or instead of, other data collection methods. The UK government continues to invest in research centres to encourage use of these data, and trials and cohort studies utilise data linkage methods in the follow-up of participants. This does not come without its limitations and challenges, such as data access delays.

objectiveThis paper outlines the challenges faced by three projects utilising individual-level routinely-collected linked data for the longer-term follow-up of participants.

methodsThese studies are varied in design, study population and data providers. One researcher was common to the three studies and collated relevant study correspondence, formal documentary evidence such as data sharing agreements and, where relevant, meeting records to review. Key themes were identified and reviewed by other members of the research teams. Mitigating strategies were identified and discussed with a data provider representative and a broader group of researchers to finalise the recommendations presented.

resultsThe challenges discussed are grouped into five themes: Data application process; Project timelines; Dependencies and considerations related to consent; Information Governance; Contractual. In presenting our results descriptively we summarise each case study, identify the main cross-cutting themes and consider the potential for mitigation of challenges.

conclusionsWe make recommendations that identify responsibilities for both researchers and data providers for mitigating and managing data access challenges. A continued conversation within the research community and with data providers is needed to continue to enable researchers to access and utilise the wealth of routinely-collected data available. The suggestions made in this paper will help researchers be better prepared to deal with the challenges of applying for data from multiple data providers.

Identifiers

PMID34095522
PMCPMC8142952

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.