Data linkage is where we join together data that has already been collected through different sources. There are 2 data sources we are asking your permission to link:

1. Services Australia data: MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule), PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme) and AIR (Australian Immunisation Register.
2. Hospital data: Hospital admissions and Emergency Department visits.

With your permission, we send identifiers (your name, date of birth and an ID number not linked to your survey) to the people who hold other sources of your data (data custodians). This data is then sent back to us with only the ID number – not your identifiers. We then combine all this data securely to give us one amazing data set that tells us a lot about your health.

Linking data helps us find out more about you than what we can ask in a survey. Trying to remember dates of appointments or names of medications can be tricky and hard to get right. By linking your data, we can get more accurate information and ask you fewer questions. Linking data also enriches and enhances the survey data you provide.

Even if you don’t use medical services often, or have never been to hospital, it is important we know this too. We would appreciate your permission to link your data as your situation may change in the future.

Data linkage allows data that has already been collected to be used in new ways to help improve the lives of young people. For example, by putting MBS data together with survey data, we can see what issues young people are facing, and whether existing health services are or aren’t being used. Then, we can find ways to help young people access existing health services, or identify new services that are needed.

Yes. We make sure your data is secure. We have strict privacy and confidentiality rules and won’t share any data that can identify you. This process is approved by the Human Research Ethics Committees at both The University of Queensland and The University of Newcastle.

No, you can still take part in the survey and say no to data linkage. You can also choose which data sources you are okay with being linked. You don’t have to agree to all of them.
You can also change your mind later and withdraw your consent for one or all data sources at any time. Please contact MatCH 2 on 1800 068 081 (Freecall) or email alswh@newcastle.edu.au or info@alswh.org.au

You will need to read and sign the consent form. You need to tick ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for each data source.
Services Australia data:

• If you are 14 years or older, you can sign a consent form for yourself to link your data, you do not need your parent or guardian’s permission – tick ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ under ‘Services Australia’.
• If you are under 14 years, you and your parent will need to sign a consent form.

Hospital data: If you are under 18 years old, you AND your parent or guardian will need to sign a consent
form to give us permission to link your Hospital data – tick ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ under Hospital data.

Women’s Health Australia
Phone: 1800 068 081 (Freecall)
Email alswh@newcastle.edu.au or info@alswh.org.au.