Informatics Core Main Page

Welcome to the Informatics Core (IC) at University of Connecticut Health Center Clinical Research Center (CRC). The CRC Informatics Core, originally called the Computer and Data Management Analysis System (CDMAS), has been an important component of the clinical research infrastructure. Since its inception, the Informatics Core has provided CRC investigators with expertise and resources related to database management through  cutting-edge technology and special applications. It enables new investigators who are without access to sophisticated computer capabilities and/or personnel to devise an efficient, integrated data management system in anticipation of data collection. The availability of knowledgeable informatics staff greatly facilitates data management for these individuals.

In addition, Informatics Core provides support for all of the CRC workstations, now totaling about fifty personal computers (PCs) and Apple Mac computers running different versions of the Microsoft and Apple operating systems. Furthermore, the Informatics Core continuously seeks ways of streamlining the operation of the CRC through the use of commercial or home-grown software applications and computer technology.  

Since receiving a supplemental grant in 2001 to transform the existing CDMAS into an informatics core, a number of significant changes have taken place. In addition to the informatics director, the Informatics Core has hired a full-time network specialist to assist with supporting the CRC staff with their networking and software and hardware needs.

The informatics director, in consultation with the CRC executive committee, has identified a number of services critical to the mission of the CRC and which had previously been either lacking or deficient. These include: (1) computer hardware and peripherals with facilities for storing large amounts of data, secure file shares, web and database hosting of web-based applications and databases, and backup and archival facilities; (2) an integrated software application for tracking of protocols, CRC resource allocation and utilization, study participant visits, subject recruitment, adverse events reporting, and data and safety monitoring plans.