CDW-R: Other BUMC Resources to Support Researchers

Study design and IRB application

Although CDW-R analysts are available to help refine data requests and operationalize research questions, analysts do not provide methodologic consultation to help investigators develop their research questions, study designs, or statistical analysis plans. Analysts do not provide assistance developing IRB applications beyond a discussion of which CDW data elements to include. For assistance with study design or IRB preparation, investigators can access the following resources:

Data management, programming, and analysis support

While the CDW-R works with investigators to provide data in a user-friendly format, it does not offer data cleaning, data management, or data analysis services. Generally, the CDW-R does not conduct any calculations nor derive variables beyond simple counts. The CDW-R does not calculate descriptive statistics (mean, minimum, maximum, etc.) or do statistical programming. Data are provided in a raw extract format. For assistance with data cleaning, management, or analysis, the following contacts may be helpful:

BU CTSI’s Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Research Design (BERD)
Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center (BEDAC)
BMC Data & Methods Core (see more information below)

BMC Data and Methods Core (DMC)

The BMC Data and Methods Core (DMC) is a research core facility dedicated to enhancing clinical and translational research by providing statistical expertise and analytical services throughout the research project lifecycle, ensuring robust support for investigators. We provide expert consultation, grant planning support, data management, and statistical analysis services. Services are accessible to all research staff at BUMC, with special emphasis on supporting early-to-mid career clinical investigators, fostering their development and success in research. To learn more, please visit the Data and Methods Core website.

BMC Research Technology Program (RTP)

The Research Technology Program supports researchers with IT scope, planning, budgeting and implementation of technology to support research at Boston Medical Center. The Research Technology Program can assist researchers with equipment purchases, application review and installation coordination, and technology scoping for research studies. Visit the Research Technology Program website for more information.

Self-Service Platform: TriNetX

TriNetX is a self-service platform that allows BUMC researchers to identify cohorts, participate in sponsored trials, understand therapy and disease landscapes, and conduct analyses without statistical software. A subset of data from Epic and legacy EHR systems (Logician/Centricity) is transformed into a de-identified limited dataset and uploaded to TriNetX every 1-2 months. Dating back to 2000, the data in TriNetX include diagnoses, medications, laboratory results, encounters/visits, vital signs, and demographics.

BUMC researchers with Human Subjects research training and an active BMC account may use TriNetX. Contact Nicholas Trombley, Research Coordinator, BU CTSI, at Nicholas.Trombley@bmc.org for more information or to request access.

The CDW-R is intended for research purposes only. For all other data request purposes, please submit a ServiceNow ticket at bmc.service-now.com.

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