title: A centralized research data repository enhances retrospective outcomes research capacity: a case report.
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.
authors: Department of Urology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. ghr7001@dbmi.columbia.edu
authors: Gregory William
authors: GW
authors: Hruby
authors: James
authors: J
authors: McKiernan
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Bakken
authors: Chunhua
authors: C
authors: Weng
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D019992:Databases as Topic; D006801:Humans; D055811:Journal Impact Factor; D009519:New York City; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011643:Publishing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012577:Schools, Medical; D014572:Urology; D057188:Workflow