OpenSAFELY Analysis Advice Service

We can provide optional support for users who would like to discuss their research ideas informally, before submitting a full application. This helps ensure that projects are well-designed, feasible, and appropriately scoped for the OpenSAFELY platform.

This service can offer guidance on:

• Study design and feasibility: Refining project aims to ensure they can be delivered efficiently within OpenSAFELY’s secure environment.
• Data availability and analysis approaches: Understanding what data is available, and how to structure your analysis effectively using OpenSAFELY tools.
• Governance, information security, and best practices: Clarifying OpenSAFELY’s governance policies and expectations for safe, transparent research.
• Collaborations and skills development: Helping users identify potential collaborators with expertise in GP data or OpenSAFELY, or advising on how to upskill existing teams.
• Application preparation: Offering general advice on completing the application form and setting realistic expectations for project timelines and outputs

The service may also help identify projects that should be prioritised for review or support.

To use the service:

1. Make sure you have completed the feasibility self-assessment tool
2. Send email to team@opensafely.org