*3.4. Data Integration*

The AIHW provides a secure linkage environment for all approved linkage activity. The Data Integration Service Center (DISC) is a separate computer network that is not connected to the internet or any other AIHW system and includes strict protocols and procedures for physical security, data security, and manager review of outputs to ensure ethics compliance.

All AIHW data integration activities, regardless of risk level, are undertaken within the DISC. The linkage process is designed for each new project, around the following principles:


#### **4. Opportunities and Challenges**

Data integration has increased the capacity to fill key data gaps and support better decisions to develop and deliver targeted interventions to those who are at risk. By combining data from different sources, and harnessing expertise through strategic partnerships, the AIHW data integration program has provided opportunities for the following:


data can assist to address issues associated with small numbers. This both protects the privacy of individuals and enhances analysis and reporting of sensitive or rare events.


While offering many opportunities, the development of and access to a broad range of data assets for integration present many challenges such as the following:


In many cases, the source data for AIHW integration projects have not been used in this way before. The AIHW has invested considerable effort to assess their suitability to inform policies and meet research objectives through data integration.

To meet these challenges, maintain strong leadership in data integration, and ensure the ongoing utility of Australian governmen<sup>t</sup> data to meet research objectives and inform decision making, the AIHW data integration work program will continue to focus on the following:


**Funding:** This research article received no external funding. Data integration projects undertaken at AIHW, such as the projects described in this article, are predominantly funded through the Australian Commonwealth Government.

**Institutional Review Board Statement:** Data integration projects undertaken at AIHW are subject to approval by the AIHW Ethics Committee which is recognised by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) as a properly constituted Human Research Ethics Committee as outlined in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The integration projects described in this article were approved by the AIHW Ethics Committee at various times.

**Informed Consent Statement:** The integration projects described in this article sought waivers of consent where applicable as part of the ethics submission and approval process.

**Acknowledgments:** The AIHW acknowledges the participation of Joanna Abbs, Naomi Cobcroft, Fleur de Crespigny, Louise Gates, Linda Jensen, Sarah Jones, Paul Lukong, Leanne Luong, Anne-Marie Rushby, Rebecca Sullivan, and Caitlin Szigetvari in writing and reviewing of the manuscript.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
