Health Services Research Data Center

Easy access to secure, flexible, high-throughput research computing

About

The Health Services Research Data Center (HSRDC) was founded in December 2011 to meet a pressing need in the University community: how to provide clinical and health services researchers with easy access to secure, flexible, high-throughput research computing. To meet this need, we created a powerful, simple-to-use computing platform with a high level of security implemented. All data management and analysis take place directly on our secure servers, with no need to download data onto local machines. Users access the system via virtual desktops which allow researchers with different levels of experience to collaborate on Pitt projects no matter their location.

Hours & Contact Information

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
E-Mail: hsrdc@pitt.edu

Secure Infrastructure

The HSRDC offers flexible computing resources to fit projects of any size. Offering storage solutions such as Isilon, Azure, and AWS. We offer server hosting and maintenance on prem and cloud solutions such as Windows, Linux, Certificate management, patching solutions, and security reviews. We also can provide Policy review, auditing, and documentation for your compliance management needs.

Services include:

• HIPAA Compliant
• Two-Factor Authentication
• Secure VPN/Encrypted Connections
• Storage solutions
• Server hosting/maintenance via on-prem and cloud solutions (Azure/AWS)
• Secure research workspaces
• Compliance Management

Expert Data Management

We offer different levels of Data Management depending on project and budget needs. Pick and choose services starting with project planning, Data Use Agreement (DUA) completion, or IRB submission. Support is available throughout the lifecycle of your data. The HSRDC offers data transfer, ingestion, and ETL services with controlled data sharing capabilities. Save and access data in SQL databases with customized views to maximize data use and efficiency.  If HIPAA compliance is needed, store your data with confidence in a highly secured environment with honest broker services offered. The HSRDC offers a connect to a real time Electronic Health Record (EHR) data flow used for EHR extraction and alerting.  We provide hot data capture, data pipeline design, and analytic file creation. The data center offers basic programming assistance to help users get started to independently run analysis on large health datasets. Analysis is run in a custom virtual computing environment with several software options. There are data standardization options offered to assist with OMOP and LOINC code management. Close the loop by ensuring proper DUA closure with data destruction or archiving data that is not needed regularly.

Services include:

• Project Planning
• Assistance with DUA and IRB submissions
• Individual User Support
• SQL Server Database Hosting
• Data Management
• Database Administration
• Analytic Support
• Data Standardization
• Realtime Data Access
• Honest Brokers
• Data Lifecycle Guidance

Operations and Regulatory Assistance

We help investigators navigate the intricate world of data regulations. Assist with DUA process, submission, and execution. The HSRDC has years of experience working with data owners, Office of Sponsored Programs, and researchers.

Services Include:

• Data Use Agreements (DUAs)
• Data Management Plans (DMPs)
• DUA and IRB language assistance for our services
• Institutional Review Board (IRB) Submission Preparation

Applications

We offer REDCap and Qualtrics support, user support, eCFR building, assistance with data imports and exports, reporting, API access, and training resources. Our REDCap offerings include a standard instance, available for operational support, QI/QA, and research projects, and a 21 CFR Part 11 compliant instance for use with FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) and Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) studies. Studies collecting data for the purposes of human subject research, review and approval of the project is required by IRB.

Services Include:

• REDCap
• Qualtrics
• FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant

Development

We specialize in developing tailored applications for research projects, leveraging cloud services particularly Azure to offer expertise in: Custom solutions integrating Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems with automated screening and alert functionalities. Designing processes and user interfaces for seamless participant screening and enrollment. Comprehensive tools for managing electronic Data Capture Forms (eDCFs) within research workflows. Collaborating with stakeholders to develop specialized study workflows, directly tailored to specific research or operational requirements. Developing data-driven tools that harness valuable insights, empowering informed decision making within research settings. Implementing robust and secure authentication APIs to maintain data integrity while also managing user access. Creating REST API endpoints that enable data access and integration, facilitating efficient and reusable code. Designing and implementing microservices, fostering modular and scalable solutions to support agility and efficiency within the research infrastructure. Additionally, our services extend to integration of third-party solutions, ensuring a cohesive approach to your research endeavors.

Services Include:

• EHR Screening Alerts
• Streamlined Screening and Enrollment
• Efficient eDCF Management
• Custom Study Workflow Design
• Decision Support Tools
• Secure Authentication APIs
• REST API Endpoint Development
• Microservices Architecture