Communication
SA NT DataLink was officially launched by SA Government Ministers John Hill and Jay Weatherill and the NT Health Minister Kon Vatskalis in November 2009. SA NT DataLink has a number of communication and community engagement activities to support and improve the understanding, use and access to linked data.
These include, the establishment in 2011 of the SA NT DataLink Consumer Reference Group, and the training of various people engaged with Research Studies using Linked Data.
For example, the importance of training members of the SA Health and the SA Department for Families and Communities Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC) was recognised by the Privacy Committee of South Australia in promoting:
1. greater understanding of the Privacy of South Australia approved process requiring Ethic Approval of all SA NT Statistical Linkage Projects; and
2. best practice for HREC's considering Data Linkage applications.
A nationally led PHRN Ethics member training course has been piloted in August 2011 with the members of the Northern Territory Top End Ethics Committee.
As a result a short Animated Video explaining Data Linkage and the important privacy protection processes used at SA NT DataLink, has been prepared and is available online as well as presented at workshops and presentations.
The SA NT DataLink Consumer Reference Group provides the ability to better engage with consumers and the community, with members from SA and NT. The Consumer Reference Group is chaired by the Executive Director of the Health Consumer Alliance of SA, and is a service both researchers undertaking Linkage Projects, and the Data Linkage Unit itself.
In addition, to assist regular Communication with partners and interested parties, eNewsletters are produced by SA NT DataLink. https://www.santdatalink.org.au/news_and_events