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Innovative Medical Technology
Electronic Resources for Researchers

Overview of Electronic Resources for Researchers

At Drexel University College of Medicine, we are committed to supporting our researchers with a comprehensive suite of electronic resources designed to enhance the efficiency, quality and impact of their research. This page provides an overview of the key platforms and tools available to Drexel University College of Medicine researchers, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of academic and clinical research. Whether you are capturing data, mining electronic medical records, or conducting complex analyses, these resources offer the technological foundation to advance your research goals and contribute to the broader scientific community.

Below, you will find information about the individual platforms available to support your research endeavors, including tools for databases, storage, analysis, obtaining clinical data and mining of electronic medical records (EMR).

Cosmos

Cosmos aggregates billions of clinical data points across participating EPIC organizations to create a high-quality, representative and integrated dataset. This resource enables researchers to achieve their research objectives and obtain rapid insights.

Key features:

  • Global Epic de-identified EMR data
  • Longitudinal records
  • Cross-organization patient matching
  • Industry standard mapping
  • Self-service query and visualization tools

Ideal for:

  • Gaining deeper insights into disease mechanisms and health conditions
  • Advanced data analysis and visualization

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REDCap

REDCap is a secure web application designed to facilitate data capture for research studies. It provides an intuitive interface for creating and managing online surveys and databases. REDCap's robust feature set includes automated export procedures for seamless data downloads, audit trails for tracking data manipulation and export processes and a user rights management system to control access to data.

Key features:

  • Customizable data collection tool
  • Create databases
  • Integration with various statistical software

Ideal for:

  • Survey-based research
  • Multi-site studies
  • Clinical trials

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Slicer Dicer

Slicer Dicer is a data exploration tool that allows you to query clinical data in Epic Garden Plot; providing access to clinical data on predefined populations.

Key features:

  • Create reports identifying populations
  • Quick and efficient data mining
  • Real-time data analysis

Ideal for:

  • Preparatory to research
  • Protocol feasibility
  • Cohort identification

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TriNetX

TriNetX is a global health research network that connects researchers with real-world data from health care organizations worldwide.

Key features:

  • Access to de-identified clinical data
  • Tools for observational studies and treatment outcome analysis
  • Collaborative opportunities with other institutions

Ideal for:

  • Supports observational and real-world data studies
  • Enhances comparative effectiveness research
  • Facilitates collaborative research projects

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Galen Vital Center Online (VCO)

Galen Vital Center Online (VCO) is a comprehensive repository that houses all archived clinical and patient accounting medical records from Drexel University Physician Practices, Hahnemann Outpatient practices and Drexel practices that were in a contracted agreement with Tower Health System.

Key features:

  • Centralized archive server
  • Historical clinical and accounting data from Drexel clinical practices
  • Scanned media and discrete data

Ideal for:

  • Retrospective studies
  • Exploration of long-term outcomes research

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Data Warehouse

The Data Warehouse at Drexel University College of Medicine reviews and approves requests from researchers to mine electronic medical records (EMRs) or obtain limited dataset(s) from Drexel Medicine clinical sites and physician practices.

These platforms provide Drexel University College of Medicine researchers with powerful tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their research activities. By leveraging these resources, researchers can drive innovative studies, improve patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of medical science.

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FAQs

How do I request clinical data from Drexel's clinical practices?

To obtain data extracts for your research project from Drexel’s clinical practices, follow these steps:

  1. Access the Data Warehouse Report Request Form: Log in to the system and click on "Add New Item" to open the form.
  2. Complete the Request Form: Fill out the necessary details, including specifying whether you need a one-time data extract or a recurring delivery schedule (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.).
  3. Submit the Form: Once completed, submit the form for processing. Your request will be reviewed, and you’ll receive the data extracted according to the schedule you’ve selected via a REDCap database.

This process ensures that your research project has access to the relevant clinical data in the most efficient, compliant manner.

How do I request access to clinical data from the Drexel clinical practices that are no longer actively in practice?

To request access to clinical data from Drexel clinical practices that are no longer actively in practice, you will need to complete the following steps:

  1. VCO Account Request: Visit the VCO access request page and select the link for the VCO Access Self-Service Ticket.
  2. Reason for Access: When filling out the form, enter "Research" as the Reason for Access, and be sure to include the associated IRB number in the free text field.
  3. Training Requirement: You will be required to complete the "Clinical Data Archive Training" course available in Drexel Learn. This course provides an overview of how to use the Galen VCO Archive tool as a clinical user.

This process ensures that you have the necessary permissions and training to access archived clinical data securely.

 
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