Epidemiology Data Service Center

Policies
The following policies have been established to guide the proper usage of EDSC data:

• The data services of the EDSC are limited to persons at MCW or its affiliated institutions.
• Original databases and documentation shall remain within the EDSC. The EDSC will provide files of necessary data and documentation to users.
• Users of data obtained through the EDSC must adhere to data use guidelines established by the EDSC and appropriate institutions or departments.

Procedures for minor data requests
Minor data requests include requests for estimates, descriptive statistics, or referrals to data sources outside of the EDSC.

• Contact the EDSC with your request and submit a Data Request Form. You may contact us by phone, e-mail, or in person to discuss your data needs.
• Determine an appropriate data source, format, and storage medium. After working with you to determine what data are appropriate for your research question, we'll help you determine the data format and storage medium that will best suit your needs. In most cases, information from minor requests are provided on hardcopy or via e-mail or disk, often as tables, spreadsheets, or in the form of contact information.
• Receive your requested data. Upon completing your request, the EDSC will either send you the information or contact you to let you know that it is available for pick-up.

Procedures for major data requests
Major data requests include requests for extracts of raw data and long-term project assistance. Such requests are more formal and vary in the length of time needed to complete them depending on the complexity and nature of the request.

• Submit a data request to the EDSC. The EDSC requires requestors to complete a Data Request Form. This form will provide the EDSC with information regarding the purpose of your research, the nature of your request, and the type of data in which you are interested.
• Determine an appropriate data source, format, and storage medium. After working with you to determine what data are appropriate for your research question, we'll help you determine the data format and storage medium that will best suit your needs. In most cases, raw data from major requests are provided on CD-ROM, disk, or via FTP, usually as SAS data sets or ASCII files.
• Complete a Data User Agreement. The Data User Agreement outlines the EDSC's general restrictions as well as any restrictions specific to the data source of interest. This agreement must be completed before the EDSC will release the requested data to you.
• Recieve your requested data. Upon completing your request, the EDSC will with either send you the information or contact you to let you know that it is available for pick-up.