Software, data and digital tools
Data analysis and statistics can be a daunting part of the research process – particularly for novice researchers. The nature of your data analysis will depend on the type of data that you collect. Statistics support is available to all employees through the Metro South Health Biostatistics Service.
SPSS statistics (data analysis software)
SPSS Statistics is software you can use to manage and analyse your research data.
We're currently trialing IBM SPSS version 28.0 until December 2026. If you need SPSS for your research project please consider:
- whether your project will take longer than the trial period
- how to fund an ongoing SPSS license, for example grant funding.
The Metro South Health Study, Education and Research Trust Account (SERTA) has funded 5 SPSS licenses, so only 5 people can use SPSS at any given time.
Access SPSS
SPSS is free for Metro South Health staff who are doing research in our hospital and health service. This includes quality assurance projects with exemption approval from our human research ethics committee.
You can request access on a Metro South Health computer or laptop, but not on a privately owned computer.
We’re making it easier to request SPSS access
As part of our ongoing improvements, we’re moving from Microsoft Forms to REDCap to ensure:
- better data tracking
- improved record-keeping
- automated updates for staff.
Submit via the SPSS Software Access Form.
Don't shut down or restart your computer after submitting your access request. Wait until we have installed the software.
How to login to SPSS
The SPSS icon will show on your desktop 24 to 48 hours after you request access. Click on the icon to use the software. There's no login or password.
As we have limited licences, a warning message may appear if you are the 6th person trying to log in. As soon as someone logs out, you’ll be able to login.
How to use SPSS
The IMB website has information in different languages about how to use SPSS.
The following websites also have free online tutorials.
- SPSS tutorials
- Getting started with SPSS (The Open University)
- Introduction to SPSS for data analysis: overview of SPSS (YouTube).
Metro South Health also offers training and workshops through the Metro South Research SPSS Workshop Series.
Saving your data
- Click File.
- Click Save as.
- Select a folder to save your data.
- Click Enter - Do not click store file to repository.
If the saving disk icon displays, you can also click this button to save your data.
Contact us
For more information about accessing and using SPSS please contact our research navigators.
- Addiction and Mental Health Services (AMHS): MSAMHS_Research@health.qld.gov.au
- Bayside Health Service (BHS): baysidehealthresearch@health.qld.gov.au
- Community and Oral Health Services (COHS): MSHCOH-ResearchNavigator@health.qld.gov.au
- Logan and Beaudesert Health Service (LBHS): researchlbhs@health.qld.gov.au
- QEII Jubilee Hospital (QEII): QEII_Researchnavigator@health.qld.gov.au
Metro South Health REDCap
REDCap is a secure web‑based application for building and managing online surveys and databases. It supports both online and offline data capture for research studies.
Use REDCap for:
- participant surveys
- research data capture
- case report forms
- multi‑site collaboration.
To request access, request REDCap Project, log an issue, check the status of an existing ticket, find self-guided training and connect with REDCap support team.
- MSH REDCap Access Request (internal link)
- Request creation of a new REDCap project
- Log an issue or track an existing ticket
- MSH REDCap SharePoint (internal link - documentation, training, FAQs)
- Attend the Metro South Research REDCap Workshop Series (Metro South Research)
NVivo (Qualitative Analysis Software)
NVivo is qualitative data analysis software used to organise, code, and analyse interviews, focus groups, and other text‑based or multimedia data. Access to NVivo within Metro South Health may vary depending on department, project arrangements, university affiliations or specific funding sources. Some researchers may be able to access NVivo through a university login, while others may seek access through departmental processes or funding mechanisms (such as SERTA), subject to approval.
Licensing is provided through Lumivero, the NVivo vendor.
Researchers considering the use of NVivo are encouraged to check access options early with their local Research Facilitator or Metro South Research.
Metro South Health data hub
Metro South Health holds large volumes of clinical, operational and administrative data.
Access to this data is managed through designated data custodians [PDF 216KB], who ensure requests meet privacy, ethical and organisational requirements.
Use our data hub to access clinical, operational and administrative data. You'll need access to the Queensland Health network.
Specialist services
Researchers can access a variety of specialist services to support study design, clinical activity, translation and funding.
Library services
Metro South Health libraries (internal link) assist researchers with literature searches, database access, evidence reviews and reference management. Librarians provide training, support for systematic reviews and help sourcing research articles to support study design, analysis and publication.
Research development services
Our research development services are available for all Metro South Health employees.
Research finance services
Metro South Research Finance provides support is available for funding applications, budgeting and reporting requirements. For enquires about research finance
- Phone: 07 2100 9766
- Email: MSH_RES_FIN@health.qld.gov.au
Consumer partnering
Metro South Health’s consumers and community are at the centre of everything we do. Our consumer partnering information explains how to involve consumers in research and provides tools and resources to support meaningful engagement.
Translational lead service
Our employees can access the Translational Lead Service through the Translational Research Institute's (TRI) Translation Pathways Program. This is a free service offered on an ad hoc basis and there are a capped number of spots available each year, email the TRI Engagement Team at research@tri.edu.au to learn more.
Clinical Research Facility (CRF)
The Clinical Research Facility is located on the Princess Alexandra Hospital and TRI campus. It provides specialist clinical research space, equipment and infrastructure to support complex trials, participant visits, and clinical procedures. The CRF forms part of Metro South Health’s broader clinical trials capability.
Scientists in the Clinic
TRI and MSH are pleased to offer a program designed to give TRI researchers the opportunity to be present in the hospital and observe the healthcare environment. Express your interest in Scientists in the Clinic to be notified when new program placements open.
Resources
Resources are available to help you prepare research materials, design presentations, and communicate with patients and stakeholders.
Patient and participant resources
Take part in research brochure
Give this brochure to patients who are considering participation in your project, along with your other consent materials. Add your contact details before distributing.
Help shape our research
If you would like to engage patients as consumers on your project, you can use the flyer or brochure to invite interest. Place the flyer in your clinical or outpatient area or hand the brochure directly to patients.
Presenting your research
Poster presentation slides
Use conference posters and slides (internal link) to create your poster presentations. They follow Metro South Health formatting and can be adapted for conferences, symposiums or internal events.