The BCPDR contains maternal, fetal, and neonatal health information for an estimated 99% of all deliveries and births that occur in British Columbia. From the year 2000, the BCPDR has captured approximately 45,000 births per year, including data on maternal postpartum readmissions up to 42 days post-delivery and baby transfers and readmissions up to 28 days after birth. Access to person specific (record level) de-identified data from the BCPDR can be provided for addressing a specific set of research questions. Aggregate data without personal information that are expressed in summary form (i.e. total births, average age of mother at delivery, total cesarean sections, etc.) are also available to assist with research planning.
Over the last several months, Executive Director of the WHRI, Dr. Lori Brotto, engaged in meetings with a larger group of stakeholders, including representatives from Perinatal Services BC (PSBC); Research and Privacy at PHSA; Population Data BC; and the scientific and trainee communities in order to explore ways of facilitating data access for researchers to better serve the public good, while ensuring confidentiality and privacy of the data. The result of that process is that the WHRI, in partnership with PSBC, will be piloting a project to facilitate a streamlined process for data access requests to the PDR for research data requests received from WHRI members.
The WHRI is now able to accept, review and approve data access requests for BCPDR data from WHRI members. We are able to offer co-ordination of the data access request process, including guidance, support, and advice to WHRI researchers who are preparing an application for BCPDR data.
All requests for data are in alignment with WHRI and PSBC’s commitment and vigilance towards the protection individuals in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) of British Columbia and other applicable legislation, ethical considerations, and best practices as outlined in WHRI data access policies and guidelines. Please note that the WHRI reserves the right to decide the acceptability of data requests in its sole and absolute discretion.