FAIR principles of health sciences research data management

Abstract

Introduction: Open data for the validation and generalization of research results as well as the recycling of datasets is a felt need in healthcare. Objective: to describe the FAIR principles for research data management. Method: a search in the Scopus, SciELO, Redalyc and PubMed/MedLine databases for gathering information was carried out applying a formula with the combined use of terms and Boolean operators. The terms "Open data", "research data", and "FAIR" were used. Development: Open data mean a breakthrough in information sciences, and even in health field has made progress in the last decade. It is not enough just to produce and share data, they must comply a set of principles for digitalizing, reproducing and recycling. FAIR data seek to achieve findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable datasets, as well as the elimination of cultural, socioeconomic and technical barriers. The FAIR principles application in health sciences allows a better use of resources avoiding the replication of research with negative results, granting the reuse of data and the generalization of results by combining them. Conclusions: the FAIR principles seek to strengthen open science, eliminate barriers, for developing infrastructures, protocols and data policies. The application in health sciences is of great value, as constitute a powerful tool for improving research and care practices.

Keywords

• comunicación y divulgación científica
• gestión de ciencia, tecnología e innovación en salud
• acceso a la información