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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