Helpful Data Sharing Resource Now Available!

Developing a Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan that complies with NIH and HEAL data sharing policies can be challenging, as it requires navigating multiple requirements with policy guidance located in multiple places. Further, HEAL studies often use a combination of different data types with different allowances for data sharing, leading to some confusion over how to best characterize data sharing intent. The HD2A Data Infrastructure Support Center (DISC) at Wake Forest University School of Medicine has developed the HD2A Addiction and Chronic Pain Template in DMPTool–an optional-source online application that helps researchers create DMS plans.

While not required for use by the NIH, the HD2A Addiction and Chronic Pain template provides tailored suggestions for HEAL and other investigators engaged in addiction and pain research. The template organizes a DMS plan in sections that address data type; related tools, software, and/or code; data standards; data preservation, access, and associated timelines; access, distribution, or reuse considerations; and oversight of data management and sharing. Guidance is provided on selection of common data elements, submission of metadata, handling of sensitive information, and selection of a data repository, with careful attention to the HEAL Initiative Public Access and Data Sharing Policy. Example responses to be included in a DMS plan are provided in each section, specific to a mix of data types typically generated by HEAL addiction- and pain-related projects (e.g., primary and secondary data; quantitative and qualitative data). With this template, investigators can more easily comply with data sharing standards to make data more FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable).

Data sharing plans submitted using this template would still undergo review and approval processes by the NIH; use of the template does not automatically confer NIH endorsement or approval. Investigators are to consult the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy and the HEAL Initiative Public Access and Data Sharing Policy for official guidance.

Instructions

• To access the template in DMPTool, create a DMPTool.org account, click on “Create a Plan,” and enter “Wake Forest Baptist Health” as the primary research organization to access the template, indicating that no funder is associated with this plan.
  • More details on accessing the template can be found in this document.
  • A preview of the content in the template can be found in this document.
• Next, adapt the plan as needed following DMPTool.org guidance.

We are interested in receiving feedback on how well this template facilitates DMS plan creating. If you are willing to provide feedback, please send it to Dr. Meredith Adams at the HD2A DISC at Meredith.Adams@wakehealth.edu.