Research requests

The National Joint Registry (NJR) is the largest database of hip, knee and ankle joint replacement procedures in the world and presents an unparalleled opportunity for research. Our strategy is to make data widely available to the research community to further the understanding of the determinants of outcome of these common procedures.

The NJR is engaged in an active research programme and welcomes external requests that will fully maximise the research potential of this important national resource.

Guidance notes for research applicants

We strongly encourage informal discussion with the NJR research office (Michael.Robinson@hqip.org.uk) before making applications for data access.

The NJR has its own analysis programme coordinated through the Research Subcommittee, Annual Report Editorial Board and the University of Bristol. In addition, a number of groups are working on projects with NJR data. Further information on existing projects can be found on this site. While this in no way precludes similar or duplicate studies, we are keen that applicants have a clear understanding of the work that is already ongoing before submitting their own applications.

Investigators who are considering including NJR data in external funding applications are encouraged to contact the NJR in advance of submission. The NJR research office can provide confidential advice on protocols and letters of support where appropriate.

If the work proposed is already funded by an external source, full details of the protocol and funding should be submitted with the application.

Applications for data will normally be for tightly defined projects that adhere to a clearly set out protocol and timeline. Open ended access to the NJR will not be made available. In general, access to the full dataset will also only be available in exceptional circumstances.

Applicants will not have exclusive access to the data.

Applicants, and their hosting institutions, must agree to adhere to the terms and conditions of the data release, without exception, before any release of data will be considered.

In releasing data, the NJR must conform with national regulations relating to ethics and confidentiality. Investigators must have the appropriate approvals in place before data release will be considered.

Data release will normally incur a charge, depending on the scope, nature and scale of the proposed project.

Disseminating information on current research, presentations and publications is a priority for the NJR. Applicants, in receipt of NJR data for research, will be expected to provide regular reports and conform to the NJR's publication policy. In all such work, the NJR expects to be acknowledged appropriately, please refer to the guidance note for Acknowledgment of the NJR.

Is the request defined as research?