Information Consultancy Service

The NPESU provides an Information Consultancy Service based on the databases it holds. The data are available to external clients for a range of purposes including research and can be provided in aggregated form from the database for a specified subset of variables and/or records.

Confidentiality and commercial in-confidence are maintained and the data are released subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Act 1987. Approval for the release and use of the data may be required from the data providers. This can usually be sought through the NPSU. In addition, AIHW Ethics Committee approval and/or approval from the requester's own Institutional ethics committee may be required for the release of some information.

Only written requests will be processed. All requests need to identify the requester and the organisation they represent, provide contact details, details of requested data, purpose of request and proposed use and dissemination of data.

There is a charge for completing requests and a quote will be prepared upon the data being requested. The cost will vary depending on the requirements of the request and the complexity of the analysis to be undertaken.

The time frame for completing requests also depends on the requirements of the request and the complexity of the analysis to be undertaken. The time frame is also affected by the need for Ethics Committee approval.

Requests for data from the NPESU Information Consultancy Service, or applications for collaborative research with NPESU can be made by calling us on (02) 9382 1014.

The National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit as part of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is committed to providing accessible perinatal health information to all Australians, and strives to be customer-focused and to disseminate its material as widely as possible.