The Research Data and Technology Group is a small, agile and fully certified team of programmers and network administration personnel who excel in developing and implementing innovative database and technology solutions with a fast turnaround. We have expertise in data capture, integration, and conversion; study management; tracking databases, public data releases; and web-based applications. Coordinating Center computer systems are hosted on a high-speed, secure network that includes two dedicated data centers, 24/7 network monitoring, and back-up redundancy. Our systems are implemented following a 21 CFR-compliant validation process.

The  team operates a state of the art data center located at Mission Bay.  This infrastructure enables the enhanced efficiency and security of cloud computing and server/desktop virtualization, hosted within the UCSF network and compliant with NIST-mandated security protocols.

Research Data System©

The DSS team supports a custom-programmed Research Data System (RDS) for facilitating data collection and cleaning for multi-center studies.  This system has been in use for more than twenty years and has evolved to meet the ever- changing requirements that investigators face.  The RDS is comprised of MS SQL & MySQL databases and customized web interfaces that deliver features as specified by each project, and is designed to fulfill a spectrum of needs pertaining to research data transfer, collection, cleaning, storage and analysis.

Key system features include:

• Range of data input options: fax/scan using optical character recognition, web entry
• Powerful and flexible data dictionary and ongoing query generation
• Real-time access to study data
• Real-time audit trail and meta-data audit trail
• Comprehensive customizable reports to support effective study management
• Web-based support for the publications process
• Compatibility with SAS to facilitate data analysis
• Rapid database lock
• Secure data storage
• More Detail about RDS

Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) Programming

Customized Programming and Data Services: 

Database creation and web programming tailored to investigator needs

Server and Desktop Virtualization: 

Supports secure, remote access to customizable server clusters and software application

Consultation and Needs Assessment Services: 

Supports investigators who are seeking technical solutions

Medical Inventory Forms©

MIF interfaces with RDS© and allows studies to track and adjudicate medications.

Adjudication Tracking System©

Adjudication tracking databases are used for outcome ascertainment studies. Studies can assign adjudicators and track, bill, and monitor adjudication events. If desired, databases can interface with RDS© to share data and initiate event adjudication in real time.