ProjectFlow: a configurable workflow management application for point of care research

Area of Science:

• Clinical Informatics
• Health Services Research
• Biomedical Data Management

Background:

• Point-of-care research (POC-R) requires seamless integration of research processes into clinical workflows.
• Managing complex clinical research initiatives within large healthcare systems presents significant logistical challenges.
• Existing systems often lack the flexibility to adapt to diverse research needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe ProjectFlow, a configurable workflow management application for point-of-care research.
• To demonstrate ProjectFlow's utility in managing distinct clinical research projects within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Main Methods:

• ProjectFlow was developed as a web-based application using the Grails framework.
• The tool utilizes Business Process Model and Notation for custom workflow creation.
• Integration with existing VHA electronic health record (EHR) systems was a key design feature.

Main Results:

• ProjectFlow managed recruitment, enrollment, randomization, and drug orders for over 10,000 patients in the Diuretic Comparison Project (DCP).
• The application facilitated the evaluation of over 3,800 patients and enrollment of over 370 into the Research Precision Oncology Program (RePOP).
• ProjectFlow supports data sharing partnerships and predictive analytics for optimizing cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Flexible, EHR-integrated software is crucial for successful POC-R.
• ProjectFlow provides a adaptable informatics solution for custom research workflow configuration.
• The application demonstrates the feasibility of embedding research within clinical care using integrated technology.