After a Data Access Request (DAR) has been approved, and a Population Data BC - Researcher Services Agreement has been signed, it can typically take 12 weeks for our Data Services Unit (DSU) to prepare the data.
Data preparation is the process of finalizing the data for the study population/cohort(s) of interest as well as extracting the data for these population(s) in accordance with the approved Data Access Request, including setting up any needed documentation.
The length of time it takes to prepare the data depends on a number of factors.
- How complicated the request is
A request for information from one data file for a simply defined cohort may only take a few weeks to prepare. A request with a cohort definition that requires data from three separate data files, with numerous different data fields, will require more time. - Where a data request is placed in the queue
Data Services Unit (DSU) staff may not necessarily be able to commence work on a data request as soon as the Population Data BC - Researcher Services Agreement is signed. It depends on the number and priority of ongoing projects. Data Access Unit staff can give Researchers an indication of when to expect data when the Population Data BC - Researcher Services Agreement is returned. - Time of year
During peak periods data prepation may take longer than usual.
Researchers concerned that it is taking longer than expected for data to be prepared should contact the Data Access Unit, quoting their Data Steward-assigned project number in the subject line and body of the email.