Frequently asked questions
The National Integrated Health Services Information (NIHSI) has transitioned to the National Health Data Hub (NHDH).
What is the difference between the NIHSI and the NHDH?
The NHDH is a rebranding of NIHSI, in recognition of the many changes and improvements that have been made to the original NIHSI analysis asset over time. The rebranding of NIHSI to NHDH aligns with increased data availability, with more datasets now available to a broader set of users, including non-government researchers.
Key differences between the NIHSI and the NHDH include:
- The NHDH uses a different spine to link data together.
- The NHDH has a new data design, where users can apply for more sensitive data modules that include exact hospital service dates if their analysis requires it.
- The governance of the NHDH supports users applying for programs of analysis work.
Users can apply to link additional non-NHDH data to the NHDH under the ‘Hub+n’ project model.
The reference periods available for the data in the NHDH will vary depending on the data that is available. Most data available in the NHDH cover the period of 1 July 2010 to the latest available (typical 30 June 2023), depending on the data source. Aged care data, Medicare Benefits Scheme, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and National Death Index data all have pre-2010 data available in the NHDH. The data in NHDH is generally updated annually, depending on the data source.
The intention is to update and expand on the data available in the NHDH over time.
Yes, the NHDH is available to government and non-government researchers. Researchers will need to submit a project proposal in-line with the approved uses of the NHDH. For some projects, additional Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval may be required.
For full details on how to apply to access the NHDH email [email protected]
Please email [email protected]. The NHDH team will work with you to discuss your project, submit a project proposal, and walk you through the process of accessing the NHDH.
Access to the NHDH will be available through a secure access environment. This will provide a virtual workspace which requires a two-factor authentication to log in.
You will need to complete NHDH onboarding training that covers information on confidentiality and privacy before accessing the NHDH, as well as sign a confidentiality undertaking.
The NHDH are hosted in the AIHW’s Research Only Network (RON) and an AIHW managed instance of the ABS’ Secure Environment for Access to Data (SEAD).
- Email the ICT service desk at [email protected].
- Ensure the subject line includes SEAD-issue - <ProjectID><ProjectName>
- Attach any relevant documentation to the request (if required)
- Email the ICT service desk at [email protected]
- Ensure the subject line includes RON-issue - <ProjectID><ProjectName>
- Attach any relevant documentation to the request (if required).
Yes, there will be a cost to access the NHDH for approved research projects.
The costs to access the NHDH are available from the Researcher access and eligibility page.
Projects wanting to link non-NHDH datasets to the NHDH will be considered a ‘Hub + n’ project. In addition to a NHDH Project Proposal, project leaders wishing to make non-NHDH datasets available for use in NHDH will need to complete an application for linkage through the AIHW’s Data Integration Services Centre (DISC) and Ethics Committee. Please refer to How to access the NHDH for more information.
Yes, there is a high level of interest in having more datasets available for health research through linked data. The AIHW is working towards having many more datasets available over time. If you have a suggestion for data you would like to see included in the NHDH, please email [email protected].
It depends.
The NHDH has overarching ethics approval for approved researcher purposes. Most government projects will fall within these approved uses and not require additional ethics approval. Provided the project aligns with the agreed uses of the NHDH, the approvals are through the NHDH data custodian, the AIHW Ethics Committee delegate, and the NHDH Advisory Committee. These approvals are usually completed within about 4 to 6 weeks.
Most non-government, health research projects, will require an additional Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval if hospitals data is needed from certain states/territories, and/or if the focus of research is on the defence and veterans’ populations, or has a First Nations people focus. However, only one HREC approval will be required, even if hospitals data from multiple states are needed for the project, as it is advised to seek HREC approval from a HREC accredited under the National Mutual Acceptance scheme.
Some jurisdictions also have additional requirements that need to be completed prior to a project commencing. The NHDH team will provide more detail when first discussing your project proposal.
The NHDH is approved to support a broad range of health research topics, such as:
- patterns of use and effectiveness of health and residential aged care services and defining patient/client journeys and assessing efficiency and effectiveness of the health and residential aged care systems
- quality and safety of services provided
- health risks for particular patient cohorts
- accessibility and effectiveness of services contributing to the management of chronic conditions
- chronic disease management – patterns of service provision
- validation of the current treatment pathways for chronic disease management and care
- safety and quality of hospital and other services, such as residential aged care services
- policies and programs designed to reduce the incidence and severity of disease and injury.
The reasons for which the NHDH can and can’t be used for are explained on the About webpage.
The NHDH data custodian is an AIHW staff member at the Unit Head (Executive Level 2) level. They are accountable for managing the security and appropriate use of the NHDH. The data custodian is responsible for providing access to authorised users and ensuring that aggregated data taken from the host environments comply with AIHW’s confidentiality requirements.
There is a NHDH Advisory Committee, comprising all state and territory health organisations, the Department of Health and Aged Care and the AIHW. The NHDH Advisory Committee provides advice and governance direction for the NHDH and also has a role in approving NHDH projects, reviewing and clearance of outputs from the NHDH projects. The NHDH Advisory Committee reports to the NHDH Board which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the data linkage system within the health data system and integration landscape. Please refer to How the NHDH is governed for more information.
Once a month there is an introduction session on the NHDH which is open for researchers new to the NHDH. Please email [email protected] to find out more information.
At present, data can only be accessed by approved researchers from locations within Australia and employed by Australian entities.