Clinical Research Informatics: Challenges, Opportunities and Definition for an Emerging Domain
- aDepartment of Medicine and Center for Health Informatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
- bDepartment of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Correspondence: Peter J. Embi, MD, MS, Center for Health Informatics, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, 231 Albert Sabin Way, PO Box 670840, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0840; e-mail: <peter.embi{at}uc.edu>
- Received 17 September 2008
- Accepted 12 February 2009
Abstract
Objectives Clinical Research Informatics, an emerging sub-domain of Biomedical Informatics, is currently not well defined. A formal description of CRI including major challenges and opportunities is needed to direct progress in the field.
Design Given the early stage of CRI knowledge and activity, we engaged in a series of qualitative studies with key stakeholders and opinion leaders to determine the range of challenges and opportunities facing CRI. These phases employed complimentary methods to triangulate upon our findings.
Measurements Study phases included: 1) a group interview with key stakeholders, 2) an email follow-up survey with a larger group of self-identified CRI professionals, and 3) validation of our results via electronic peer-debriefing and member-checking with a group of CRI-related opinion leaders. Data were collected, transcribed, and organized for formal, independent content analyses by experienced qualitative investigators, followed by an iterative process to identify emergent categorizations and thematic descriptions of the data.
Results We identified a range of challenges and opportunities facing the CRI domain. These included 13 distinct themes spanning academic, practical, and organizational aspects of CRI. These findings also informed the development of a formal definition of CRI and supported further representations that illustrate areas of emphasis critical to advancing the domain.
Conclusions CRI has emerged as a distinct discipline that faces multiple challenges and opportunities. The findings presented summarize those challenges and opportunities and provide a framework that should help inform next steps to advance this important new discipline.
Footnotes
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Preliminary analysis and findings of phase one of this study were presented at the AMIA 2007 Annual Symposium and published in the AMIA 2007 Annual Symposium Proceedings.
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Dr. Embi' s efforts in this research were supported in part by grants from the NIH/NLM (K22-LM008534, R01-LM009533). Dr. Payne' s efforts in this research were supported in part by grants from the NIH/NCI (P01-CA081534, R01CA134232) and NIH/NCRR (U54-RR024384).
