MSOD data can be made available to medical schools, collaborating organisations and interested individuals.  Depending on the information required and the proposed usage of data, processes for accessing data will vary.   Procedures are outlined below for each type of research.  The MSOD Research and Scientific Advisory Committee oversees access to data and ensures ethical standards are maintained.

In the first instance it is recommended that anyone seeking MSOD data read the frequency data reports for Commencing Medical Student Questionnaires, Exit Questionnaires and Medical Schools Data.  If the information required is medical school-specific, individual medical school reports may be provided by the relevant medical school upon request.

Other types of research broadly fall into four categories:

Minimal risk analyses

Minimal risk analyses involve access to frequency tables or cross-tab tables produced using the MSOD database.  Researchers and organisations requesting data for minimal analyses do not require access to raw data and do not intend to conduct further analyses on MSOD data.

If you are interested in conducting minimal risk analyses on MSOD data, please read the Policies and Procedures for Minimal Risk Analyses before completing and submitting the Expression of Interest: Minimal Analyses to msodadmin@medicaldeans.org.au.

Sub-studies

A sub-study involves the collection of new data from MSOD participants.  The new data are generally linked to existing MSOD data to maximise longitudinal analysis.  When considering approval of sub-study applications, the MSOD Research and Scientific Advisory Committee will assess the extra demands placed on participants and the potential for over-burdening them against the value of the research.

If you are interested in conducting a sub-study using MSOD data, please read the Policies and Procedures for Sub-Studies before completing and submitting the Expression of Interest to msodadmin@medicaldeans.org.au.

Secondary analyses

Secondary analyses studies involve secondary analyses either on MSOD data collected from the researcher’s host medical school, on MSOD data collected from medical schools other than the researcher’s host institution, or both.  Ethics requirements will differ depending on which of these categories applies to the proposed study.

If you are interested in conducting secondary analyses using MSOD data, please read the Policies and Procedures for Secondary Analyses before completing and submitting the Expression of Interest to msodadmin@medicaldeans.org.au.

Data linkage studies

Data linkage studies involve the linkage of other databases with the MSOD Project database.  Researchers must demonstrate why the linkage of these databases is beneficial and how participant confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained.  Other considerations include feasibility, scientific value, consistency with the overall aims of MSOD and logistical requirements.

If you are interested in conducting a data linkage study with MSOD data, please read the Policies and Procedures for Data Linkage Studies before completing and submitting the Expression of Interest to msodadmin@medicaldeans.org.au.