NDSS - NDSS Description - Operating principles

Operating principles

Consistency - A core set of variables is collected in every province/territory on an ongoing systemic basis.

Flexibility - Additional data can be collected within individual provinces or territories in accordance with their unique needs (e.g. data from prescribed drug use).

Quality - Data are validated and the collection means are modified to ensure ongoing data integrity across the country.

Cost-effectiveness - NDSS uses existing data sources.

Accessibility - Data are available to the general public under conditions agreed to by the Steering Committee, in accordance with prevailing polices and regulations regarding federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal data.

Confidentiality - Personal identifiers are removed, and only aggregate data are shared.

Responsiveness - Current information is disseminated to public and private stakeholders, thus enabling a prompt response to changing trends in diabetes.