7 - Existing Practice and Processes

Summary

Chapter 7 uses three case studies to describe existing practice and processes for using and sharing data for linkage research in three jurisdictions: Western Australia, Scotland and Manitoba. Each case study looks at the decision makers; the relevant law, policy and guidelines regulating the decision-making process; and the ethical review process. The chapter assesses the practice and process in each case study against metrics of good decision making. These metrics are efficiency, transparency, accountability and community participation. The chapter concludes that there are significant similarities between the jurisdictions but that there are many areas in which decision making can be improved in all jurisdictions.