Scalable Architecture for Federated Translational Inquiries Network (SAFTINet) Technology Infrastructure for a...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Data Science
• Comparative Effectiveness Research

Background:

• Distributed Data Networks (DDNs) are crucial for sharing electronic health data across disparate sources.
• Effective data sharing requires addressing technical and governance challenges, including network security and privacy regulations like HIPAA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the SAFTINet infrastructure for facilitating secure and harmonized electronic health data sharing.
• To support comparative effectiveness research, particularly for safety net populations.

Main Methods:

• SAFTINet utilizes TRIAD grid technology, a common data model, and custom software for data harmonization.
• Data sharing partners host TRIAD grid nodes with harmonized clinical data within their own network environments.
• A central web-based query system allows authorized users to request analytic datasets.

Main Results:

• The SAFTINet DDN infrastructure successfully achieved data sharing objectives.
• Scalable and sustainable systems were implemented for harmonized data structures and terminologies.
• Secure distributed queries were established, enabling efficient data access.

Conclusions:

• SAFTINet provides a robust infrastructure for distributed electronic health data sharing.
• Initial implementation challenges were overcome through collaborative discussions and technical solutions.
• The system supports secure, harmonized data access for comparative effectiveness research.