How to use the system + search

The NCIS Unit provides support to all approved death investigators and third party researchers to equip them with knowledge and skills to best utilise the NCIS for their approved purpose.

General search and how to guides are designed to build basic system usage skills for all users. Examples for common searches are also provided. Advanced training and support is also available. See Troubleshooting + frequently asked questions for assistance with common user queries.

Data manuals

Data dictionary

The NCIS Data dictionary is a reference manual for those involved in entering, interpreting or analysing information in the NCIS. It includes a comprehensive list of all data fields available in the NCIS with definitions and applications.

Manual - Data dictionary (PDF, 5.18 MB) (External link)

Coding manual

The NCIS Coding manual is a reference manual for those entering data into the NCIS. The manual provides guidance and advice on data fields and common coding scenarios. It contains tailored advice on common external-cause scenarios as well as tips on how to consistently code common scenarios.

Manual - Coding (PDF, 3.58 MB) (External link)

See How to code cases for more advice and support resources.

General search guides

General search guide

A comprehensive introduction to searching the NCIS database.

Guide - General search (PDF, 1.32 MB) (External link)

New Zealand general search guide

A comprehensive introduction to searching for New Zealand data.

Guide - New Zealand general search (PDF, 608.36 KB) (External link)

How to use search functions

Find case search

Search for specific cases using the details available.

Guide - How to use the Find case search (PDF, 2.81 MB) (External link)

Query design search

Build and perform advanced searches across the database to identify cohorts.

Guide - How to use the Query design search screen (PDF, 5.1 MB) (External link)

The Query design search contains six screens to customise your search using different criteria. Further information about these screens can be found below.

Examples are included for five screens that form part of a series describing how to search for a specific cohort of cases. Each example demonstrates how to search for specific elements of this scenario using the different screens in Query design.

Case details

See How to search by value for further guidance on utilising the Case details screen.

Example - How to use the Query design search screen - Case details (PDF, 1.92 MB) (External link)

Occupation

Occupation data is based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) (External link) (External link). See Explanatory notes (External link) for further information.

Example - How to use the Query design search screen - Occupation (PDF, 1.7 MB) (External link)

Time location

Example - How to use the Query design search screen - Time location (PDF, 1.72 MB) (External link)

Mechanism/object

See How to search by specific type for further guidance on utilising the Mechanism and object screen.

Example - How to use the Query design search screen - Mechanism and object (PDF, 1.72 MB) (External link)

Cause of death

Cause of death fields are free text and not subject to standardised terminology.

The External codes search screen allows for exporting ICD-10 codes to supplement, or as an alternative to, the Cause of death fields. See Data sources + classification structures (External link) for further information about ICD-10 codes.

Result details

Identifying details such as names and addresses are unable to be exported via Query design.

Third party researchers may be eligible to request a data extract of information not available through query design. Refer to Research project support (External link) to submit a request for a data extract.

Example - How to use the Query design search screen - Result details (PDF, 2.11 MB) (External link)