A centralized research data repository enhances retrospective outcomes research capacity: a case report
- 1Department of Urology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- 2Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- 3The Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- 4School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Correspondence to Gregory William Hruby, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, 622 West 168 Street, VC-5, New York, NY 10032, USA; ghr7001{at}dbmi.columbia.edu
- Received 27 August 2012
- Revised 24 October 2012
- Accepted 9 December 2012
- Published Online First 15 January 2013
Abstract
This paper describes our considerations and methods for implementing an open-source centralized research data repository (CRDR) and reports its impact on retrospective outcomes research capacity in the urology department at Columbia University. We performed retrospective pretest and post-test analyses of user acceptance, workflow efficiency, and publication quantity and quality (measured by journal impact factor) before and after the implementation. The CRDR transformed the research workflow and enabled a new research model. During the pre- and post-test periods, the department's average annual retrospective study publication rate was 11.5 and 25.6, respectively; the average publication impact score was 1.7 and 3.1, respectively. The new model was adopted by 62.5% (5/8) of the clinical scientists within the department. Additionally, four basic science researchers outside the department took advantage of the implemented model. The average proximate time required to complete a retrospective study decreased from 12 months before the implementation to <6 months after the implementation. Implementing a CRDR appears to be effective in enhancing the outcomes research capacity for one academic department.
