Find and Access Data

Looking for Data?

How to Search PCODR

There are several ways to find data using PCODR:

  • Use the search feature to find data from studies in PCODR by topic, investigators, populations, measures, variables, publications*, etc.
  • View all studies and then use filters to narrow the results
  • Browse CER studies (clinical effectiveness research) or Methods studies (code developed to improve the science and methods of patient-centered comparative CER)

*PCODR draws upon a continuously-updated database of thousands of citations of works using data held in the ICPSR archive. The works include journal articles, books, book chapters, government and agency reports, working papers, dissertations, conference papers, meeting presentations, unpublished manuscripts, magazine and newspaper articles, and audiovisual materials. Searches including PubMed IDs or other identifying data can be used as a keyword.

Clinical Effectiveness Research Studies
Methods Studies

Ready to Propose a Study Using PCODR Data?

How to Apply for Data Access

As required by PCORI’s Data Sharing and Data Management policy, all users must submit a brief application to access data in PCODR. The application process is streamlined to facilitate public access to data from PCORI-funded studies. ICPSR aims to approve all applications within 15 business days following submission of the application and CVs for all research staff, assuming all conditions are met.

To submit an application:

  1. Find the study you are interested in by using the search feature or viewing all studies.
    1. Investigators may identify more than one study of interest. PCODR is designed to support the use of multiple studies for research requests, and you can select additional studies as part of creating your application.
  2. To identify key data elements and documentation to support your request, navigate to the Data & Documentation tab to download and read the Study-Level Files. You can also go to the Approved Requests main navigation to see studies in progress or to the Data-related Publications tab to see what research has been completed using this data.
  3. Click on the Access Restricted Data button above the tabs.
  4. Click Start Application.
    1. You will be prompted to create an account if you do not already have one.
  5. Follow the steps for applying for restricted data. This will include filling out an online application regarding your research and submitting research team CVs.
    1. For an example of the application requirements, please see an approved application.
  6. Your application materials will be reviewed by an Independent Review Committee (five voting members) and the study PI (non-voting member).
    1. Typically, the application review process takes 15 business days.
  7. Concurrent with the PCODR application review, it is the investigator’s responsibility to receive IRB approval and an institutional signature on a Restricted Data Use Agreement.

Once an application is approved, investigators will be provided access to the data in a virtual data enclave once the IRB approval and institutional signature is received. A short virtual data enclave training is also required.

Required Information to Complete the Restricted Data Application:

  • Title of Proposed Study
  • Narrative Summary
  • Research Purpose (brief descriptions of the following as applicable)
    • Specific Aims of the Project and Research Methods
    • Research Proposal
    • Outcomes
    • Main Predictor/Independent Variables
    • Sample Size and Statistical Analysis Plan
    • Additional Funding Support
  • Data Source and Patient Sample Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
  • Project Timeline
  • Dissemination Plan

Would you like to broaden your search beyond PCODR for even more studies? Visit the ICPSR Find Data page to explore complementary datasets. Please note that many of these studies are available only to users from ICPSR member institutions and subscribers. Others may pay a fee to access ICPSR data.