Development of an informatics system for accelerating biomedical research. [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Abstract

The Biomedical Research Informatics Computing System (BRICS) was developed to support multiple disease-focused research programs. Seven service modules are integrated together to provide a collaborative and extensible web-based environment. The modules—Data Dictionary, Account Management, Query Tool, Protocol and Form Research Management System, Meta Study, Data Repository and Globally Unique Identifier —facilitate the management of research protocols, to submit, process, curate, access and store clinical, imaging, and derived genomics data within the associated data repositories. Multiple instances of BRICS are deployed to support various biomedical research communities focused on accelerating discoveries for rare diseases, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson’s Disease, inherited eye diseases and symptom science research. No Personally Identifiable Information is stored within the data repositories. Digital Object Identifiers are associated with the research studies. Reusability of biomedical data is enhanced by Common Data Elements (CDEs) which enable systematic collection, analysis and sharing of data. The use of CDEs with a service-oriented informatics architecture enabled the development of disease-specific repositories that support hypothesis-based biomedical research.