Development of an informatics system for accelerating biomedical research.

Abstract

Biomedical translational research can benefit from informatics system that support the confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of data. Such systems require functional capabilities for researchers to securely submit data to designated biomedical repositories. Reusability of data is enhanced by the availability functional capabilities that ensure confidentiality, integrity and access of data. A biomedical research system was developed by combining common data element methodology with a service-oriented architecture to support multiple disease focused research programs. Seven service modules are integrated together to provide a collaborative and extensible web-based environment. The modules - Data Dictionary, Account Management, Query Tool, Protocol and Form Research Management System, Meta Study, Repository Manager and globally unique identifier (GUID) facilitate the management of research protocols, submitting and curating data (clinical, imaging, and derived genomics) within the associated data repositories. No personally identifiable information is stored within the repositories. Data is made findable by use of digital object identifiers that are associated with the research studies. Reuse of data is possible by searching through volumes of aggregated research data across multiple studies. The application of common data element(s) methodology for development of content-based repositories leads to increase in data interoperability that can further hypothesis-based biomedical research.