Data Core

The data component of the IFH Survey/Data Core provides researches with access to experienced and specialized analysts, access to many large medical and administrative databases, and a powerful HIPAA-compliant computing environment which can facilitate productive, efficient, and sensitive research and training activities.

The IFH Survey/Data Core will provides a range of research support services, including the intellectual project support and analytical support. Staff are available to epidemiological and biostatistical analysis and programming of on-site and large healthcare and administrative databases, analysis of a user’s own databases, support of protocol and statistical analysis plan development, preliminary support of studies, assisting with power analysis calculations, support of data management activities including data cleaning and maintenance, and provide investigator support on their project manuscripts and reports.

The Core boosts an extensive portfolio of data resources. Included within are local, state, national, and international healthcare and administrative records for research. Several of these data resources include: Medicare, Medicaid, CPRD Gold and Aurum, and MarketScan. Each of these datasets are regulated by their own specific Data Use Agreement (DUA) or contract, which dictates in what capacity the data can be utilized. Additionally, certain datasets require an additional fee to be paid to use the data in a new study (data reuse fee), which is a pass-through cost imposed by the licensor of the data. Investigators will need to inquire with the Core to determine if a particular dataset is available and permitted for their project, and if permitted by the DUA or contract. Typically, the licensor of the data will also need to agree to the use of the data. The Core will provide guidance and direction for processing any paperwork regarding reuse with the licensors.

The HIPAA-compliant system is available for any study, and is perfect for studies that utilize sensitive data resources. The system boosts 100TB of high-speed storage space across all users, with an expansion currently planned, and has the capability to run high-performance analyses for major studies. Investigators can access the system remotely. Our environment permits the uploading and downloading of materials, including select data resources, after vetting by our IT staff.