VA Big Data Science: A Model for Improved National Pandemic Response Present and Future

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Big Data Science
• Public Health Research

Background:

• The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established a robust data-sharing framework for its research teams.
• VA Research leveraged analytic systems and tools to generate actionable results during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Big data science techniques applied to VA health data demonstrated efficient medical research during health emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a national framework of anonymized, synchronized, and shared health data.
• To extend the achievements of VA Research to combat future public health crises.
• To promote open science principles through enhanced collaborative research across agencies.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the VA's existing data-sharing framework and analytic systems.
• Applying big data science techniques to VA's health care data.
• Envisioning a common framework for data collection, management, and surveillance in partnership with other health agencies.

Main Results:

• VA Research produced actionable results during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Demonstrated that medical research can be conducted quickly and judiciously during nationwide health emergencies.
• Highlighted the potential for capturing broader, timely observational data on populations.

Conclusions:

• The VA's data-sharing model should be continued and expanded for current and future pandemics.
• Advocating for national goals of open science through shared health data.
• A synergistic national framework of shared health data can equip researchers to combat future public health crises.