Data access

Access to CPRD data, including UK Primary Care Data, and linked data such as Hospital Episode Statistics, is subject to protocol approval via CPRD’s Research Data Governance (RDG) Process. The RDG process replaced the ISAC from 1 June 2021. Independent scientific and patient advice is provided by Expert Review Committees (ERCs) and the Central Advisory Committee (CAC)

The RDG process ensures that investigators using CPRD data for research have viable plans that maintain public and professional trust, ensure the research is of public benefit, and are methodologically robust. 

The RDG process consists of the following: 

  1. Screening of applicants and funders: 
    CPRD undertakes a rigorous assessment of prospective applicants and due diligence of funding/research organisations, to ensure that CPRD data are only accessed by bona fide researchers for public health research which is funded by trustworthy organisations.  
     
  2. Application triage: 
    Each application is checked for completeness and an assessment is performed by CPRD Researchers to determine whether the proposed study is routine or non-routine research.  

  3. Review:  
    Routine research protocols are reviewed by CPRD Researchers.  

    Protocols categorised as non-routine research are reviewed by an Expert Review Committee (ERC). 

    Routine and non-routine research studies may also undergo additional review by lay reviewers, subject matter experts, or information governance experts.  

  4. Quality assurance:  
    The Central Advisory Committee (CAC) will review any routine research or non-routine research applications which have been escalated to the CAC. Quality assurance of the Research Data Governance Process is also provided by the CAC.  

  5. Final decision and feedback:  
    CPRD will communicate the final decision on all applications requesting access to CPRD data, taking into account advice from the ERCs and CAC where applicable. 
     

More information about the RDG process can be found in the RDG Operating Framework: 

Download: CPRD Research Data Governance Operating Framework (PDF, 178KB,4 pages)

All protocols must be submitted via eRAP. Visit the Research applications page for further information. 

New client or funder request for access to CPRD data

Potential clients of CPRD data are requested to provide the information in a form below to CPRD’s Senior Management Team to determine the organisation’s suitability to access CPRD data.

Download: New client request for access to CPRD data form v3.6 (Word, 871KB, 5 pages) 
The completed form should be emailed to enquiries@cprd.com. 

Access: New funder request for access to CPRD data webform 

 

 

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