Data Collection and Data Management

Data will be collected through a survey that will be administered primarily online, recruiting participants by distribution and promotion of an online survey link through existing networks, media and social media as well as through surveyors at public events. Participants will be asked to read a consent form prior to filling out the survey. The consent form will note that by completing the survey, consent has been given. Participants will be able to withdraw from completing the survey at any time.

The survey will be hosted on Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). This is a web based data collection platform to create and manage databases and online participant surveys. It provides a secure, standardized data management tool for privacy sensitive data collection, management and storage.

Paper based surveys will also be available for individuals with lived/living experience who may have barriers to accessing the online survey. These surveys will be an abridged version of the online survey. Responses from paper based surveys will be entered into REDCap by project team members.

REDCap securely stores data according to Island Health IM/IT procedures and complies with FIPPA. Data extracts from both the online tool and uploaded paper surveys will be stored by Island Health in an Excel file, password protected, and saved on a secure local network drive in an access-limited folder. Digital data will be retained indefinitely for the purpose of conducting surveillance to inform public health action, programs, services and policy is outlined by Part 2, Division 1, Section 3.2.b of the BC Public Health Act (1). Completed paper based surveys will be stored onsite at the Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer, Victoria Fort Street in a locked cabinet. These will be retained for two years from the date the survey closes, then shredded once the date has passed.

Publication of Results

De-identified, aggregated results will be made publicly available online and in person through outputs such as community profiles and presentations.

Safeguards are in place to ensure your privacy. Data collected in the Our Health, Our Community survey follows strict privacy practices under the B.C. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The act governs how your information is collected, who sees it and how the information is used. Data for Indigenous-identifiable CHSAs were not publicly released.

We acknowledge that for thousands of years the Quw'utsun, Malahat, Ts'uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz'uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht & Pacheedaht Peoples have walked gently on the unceded territories where we now work.