Abstract
The NIHR is committed to FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) data practices. In order to support this transition from March 2023, researchers submit and update Data Access Management Plans (DAMPs) as part of contract set up and monitoring. DAMPs aim is to encourage greater attention to data integrity, management and accessibility: how data is collected, organised, secured and shared for long-term reuse across NIHR and beyond.
The aim of this project was to explore the usability and effectiveness of NIHR DAMPs. To do this we undertook an analysis and process evaluation of 968 DAMPs involved descriptive and qualitative content analysis of form sections and individual questions. Overall completion of form sections was high (79%) providing helpful insights into NIHR funded data; however responses were inconsistent and repetitive (see added abstracts). Overall, DAMPs effectively help researchers plan for and maintain FAIR data practices. The form can be improved by replacing some open questions with standard responses and by providing more guidance on completing specified questions. This work represents the continuous efforts of NIHR to promote open research while reducing bureaucracy and improving researcher support.
Aim
To explore the usability and effectiveness of NIHR DAMPs.
How well are the forms being completed by researchers?
How well do they gauge the FAIRness of data practices?
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Other Designs: Evaluation