Long Term Architecture
This wiki page describes the eventual architecture of the system as it evolves through iterations.
A practice-based research network is an organized way for providers to answer their own questions about practice. The illustration below shows a Provider Researcher (e.g. faculty member of a Department of Family Practice) sending a question out to other providers that have agreed to collaborate by providing information in response to the question.
To date there are two approaches to participate in a practice-based research network.
The collaborating providers stand at the border of the network - protecting individual identity and confidential details. The collaborators review the practice records to answer the question then send the aggregate response back to the researcher.
Participation in the network represents significant work for a provider to participate in a practice-based research study. There may be an Electronic Medical Record at the practice. However, research questions are communicated to participants on paper. Answers are generated by responding to surveys, chart reviews, and/or visit data collection forms. The researcher is doing much processing by hand, excel spreadsheet, perhaps SPSS.
Raw data collected from practices(sites) into a central location. The researcher has access to the data store and the ability to answer questions directly.
Recently, new software technologies are emerging from the Query Health initiative. These allow a healthcare provider organization to answer a question from an arms-length collaborator while completely preserving individual privacy and maintaining possession of all data.
The application of query health technologies represents a well-timed opportunity for practice-based research network tools. The context for a query-based solution could look like this.
..etc..
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