title: Software-Enabled Distributed Network Governance: The PopMedNet Experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The expanded availability of electronic health information has led to increased interest in distributed health data research networks.
  The distributed research network model leaves data with and under the control of the data holder. Data holders, network coordinating centers, and researchers have distinct needs and challenges within this model.
  The concerns of network stakeholders are addressed in the design and governance models of the PopMedNet software platform. PopMedNet features include distributed querying, customizable workflows, and auditing and search capabilities. Its flexible role-based access control system enables the enforcement of varying governance policies.
  Four case studies describe how PopMedNet is used to enforce network governance models.
  Trust is an essential component of a distributed research network and must be built before data partners may be willing to participate further. The complexity of the PopMedNet system must be managed as networks grow and new data, analytic methods, and querying approaches are developed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PopMedNet software platform supports a variety of network structures, governance models, and research activities through customizable features designed to meet the needs of network stakeholders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute.
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute.
authors.forename: Kyle
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute.
authors.forename: Zachary
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wyner
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Malenfant
authors.affiliation: Lincoln Peak Partners.
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brown
keywords: Data Ownership; Governance; Health Information Technology; Informatics; Platforms; Research Networks; Research Operations