Welcome to the CCTS Biomedical Informatics Component

Translational research requires the application of knowledge gained in one context to another context and therefore the transfer of data from one context to another.   The goal of the Biomedical Informatics Component of the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS) is to transform clinical and translational research by improving communication and integrating disparate data sources, including clinical, laboratory, regulatory, and administrative data. A larger, more detailed view of the BMI model (pictured right) is available.

The Biomedical Informatics Component is working at two levels:  institutional and individual.

Contact

Co-Directors: 

Jack Smith, MD, PhD;

Elmer Bernstam, MD and

William Weems, PhD

Jonas Almeida, PhD (M. D. Anderson Cancer Center)

Contact persons:

    Phillip Reeder (713-500-3970; Phillip.Reeder@uth.tmc.edu)

At the institutional level, the Component is

• developing a research electronic medical record (rEMR) that allows access to data from multiple sources and institutions including:

• developing processes and implementing systems to transfer data among the CCTS’s three component institutions (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC-H), The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and the Memorial Hermann Hospital System) and among UTHSC-H’s six component schools

• working within UTHSC-H to foster best-practices in data management to allow data integration and re-purposing
• working with other CTSA institutions at the national level to develop policies and approaches to support biomedical research
• advancing the science of biomedical informatics

At the individual level, the Component is

• consulting with investigators planning studies to assist them with their informatics needs, such as helping investigators
  - follow “best practices” in data management including maintaining security of data
            example: protection from un-authorized access (hackers)
• maintain compliance with regulatory data handling standards
            example: following appropriate data standards for submission to the FDA, making data sets available as per NIH guidelines
• streamline processes
            example: minimizing data re-entry (computer --> paper --> computer)
• design and implement databases
            example: for data sets that are too large for Excel/Access
• modify existing databases for more efficient use
            example: transitioning from Excel to server-based data storage and analysis
• obtain and use electronic access to existing resources within and outside of UTHSC-H
            example: access the document management system within UTHSC-H, work with Bioinformatics Station at MDACC

Investigators using the CRUs can request informatics assistance on the iRIS/CCTS application. 

Other investigators can call Phillip Reeder (713-500-3970; Phillip.Reeder@uth.tmc.edu) to discuss options.