Definition of Terms in Informatics Request Form
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics support may include
processing and analysis of genomic data, including long and short term
research support, education, and consultation. Bioinformatics analysts
can aid in accessing robust public genomics data sources such as
the Genomic Data Commons.
Dataset
Researchers may request data sourced
from various clinical data systems, including the electronic medical
record and billing systems. Datasets may be based on cohorts identified
through the cohort discovery platforms (ACT and TriNetX) and/or through
consultations with informatics analysts. Datasets may be de-identified
or identified based on the appropriate IRB approvals.
eConsent
Electronic -Consent (eConsent) is a
platform for consenting patients or research subjects either on site or
at remotely using a computer-based consent form, rather than traditional
paper documentation. Consent forms can be implemented in a REDCap
survey via computer, mobile phone, or tablet. It should be noted
that it is highly recommended that you have a discussion with your
VCU’slocal Institutional Review Board (IRB) if you wish to do eConsent
in REDCap.
Electronic Data Capture/REDCap
REDCap is a secure web platform for
building and managing online databases and surveys. REDCap's streamlined
process for rapidly creating and designing projects offers a vast array
of tools that can be tailored to virtually any data collection
strategy.
Feasibility
Federated research network platforms
such as TriNetX and the Accrual to Clinical Trials
(ACT) Network facilitate cohort discovery for study feasibility and
design. Virginia Commonwealth University has joined the ACT
Network, providing investigators with the ability to query across all
Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA)-funded institutions.
Subsequent re-identification of cohorts for data provisioning is also
available to investigators.
Grant Assistance
The informatics teams can provide an
estimate of efforts required to support a particular line of research
for inclusion in grant submissions. Typically, a consultation must take
place with the research team to fully appreciate the depth and breadth
of support necessary to adequately support the research from an
informatics perspective.
Honest Broker
An honest broker is an
individual acting on behalf of the researcher to collect and provide
de-identified information to the research team. In most cases,
the honest broker will obtain and provide clinical/medical
record data to the investigator team.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Pipelines
NLP uses lLanguage pProcessing
pPipelines to read, decipher and understand human languages. As an
example, NLP pipelines breaks the whole- voice or handwritten text
(e.g.found in clinical notes) into small chunks, reconstructs it,
analyzes, and processes it to extract the most relevant data specific to
the research area of interest.
Recruitment
VCU researchers need volunteers to
make medical discoveries that save lives. Platforms such as
ResearchMatch and StudyFinder help connect potential clinical
trial participants with VCU researchers who are looking for study
volunteers.
Research Consultation
Not sure what you need? Informatics
oriented consultative services are provided to help elucidate those
services necessary to conduct your research.
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