Data Archiving Permissions
Transparent data practices support reproducibility and clinical translation.
Provide clear data availability statements and access conditions.
Responsible Data Sharing
Data sharing strengthens reproducibility and supports safe translation of integrative health research into practice. Clear archiving permissions also help clinicians and community programs access evidence responsibly.
JAMMBP encourages authors to use repositories that provide persistent identifiers, stable access, and clear reuse terms. Data that cannot be shared should be documented with transparent access conditions.
Reproducibility
Access to data improves verification and reuse
Ethics First
Privacy protections and consent remain essential
Clear Documentation
Data dictionaries enable safe interpretation
Data Availability Statements
All submissions require a data availability statement describing where data are stored, how they can be accessed, or why access is restricted.
- Public repositories with persistent identifiers
- Controlled access repositories for sensitive clinical data
- Data available from the corresponding author on reasonable request
- Data included within the article or supplementary files
Statements should specify access conditions, embargo periods, and any data use agreements or ethical limits.
Repository Guidance
Select repositories that provide stable access, metadata quality, and clear reuse terms.
General Repositories
Clinical Data
Institutional Repositories
Code Repositories
Privacy and Permissions
Remove personal identifiers and confirm consent for data sharing. Sensitive datasets should use controlled access with clear governance.
If embargo periods apply, state the timeline and access conditions in the data availability statement.
Data Types and Formats
Integrative health studies often include mixed data types such as clinical assessments, patient reported outcomes, biosignals, and qualitative interviews. Organize files with clear naming conventions and consistent units.
- Clinical measurements and laboratory data in CSV format
- Questionnaire instruments with scoring documentation
- Audio or transcript files for qualitative studies
- Intervention protocols and practitioner training materials
Embargo and Restricted Access
When data are sensitive or involve ongoing clinical programs, authors may request embargo periods. Provide a clear end date and the rationale for restricted access.
For controlled access datasets, describe the application process, review timeline, and any data use agreements required.
Citing Data
Cite datasets in the reference list using persistent identifiers. Include repository name, accession number, and version details when available.
Clear data citation supports attribution and encourages responsible reuse by other researchers.
Retention and Versioning
Maintain archived datasets for long term access and document any version updates. When updated files are posted, include version numbers and a brief change summary.
Preservation practices support replication studies and long term evaluation of integrative therapies.
Access Requests
If data are available upon request, provide a clear contact method and expected response timeline. Requests should be evaluated consistently and without unreasonable barriers.
Sensitive Data Handling
For sensitive clinical or community data, document the anonymization steps and ethical approvals for sharing. Controlled access repositories should include governance procedures to protect participants.
Authors should confirm that archived datasets match reported results and that derived files are clearly documented.
Consistency across files improves reuse.
Documentation and File Formats
Provide a data dictionary that defines variables, coding, and missing value conventions. Include readme files that describe file structure and software requirements.
Use open and non proprietary formats when possible, such as CSV for tables and TXT or PDF for documentation.
Access Levels and Reuse
Define access levels clearly, including open, controlled, and restricted access. When reuse requires approval, provide a clear application process and contact details.
For clinical datasets, include data use agreements and oversight processes that protect participant privacy while enabling reproducible research.
Submission Checklist
- Data availability statement with repository links
- De identification and consent confirmation
- Data dictionary and readme documentation
- Code and workflow files with version details
- Access conditions and contact details if restricted
Clear reuse guidance supports responsible secondary analysis and encourages proper attribution.
Prepare a Data Ready Submission
Responsible data sharing strengthens trust and increases the impact of integrative health research.