Roger Ward1, Dr. Gnana Bharathy1
1ARDC, Parkville, Australia
Biography:
I am a Solution Architect with a research background and extensive experience in utilising and implementing secure health information systems. My primary interest lies in leveraging existing health records for research purposes, particularly through the utilisation of electronic medical records (EMR) data. Throughout my career, I have developed strong expertise in primary care and hospital EMR systems, and their relationship to common data models. I am actively involved, both nationally and internationally, with the OMOP (Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership) common data model. Collaborating with experts in the field, I strive to harmonise and standardise health data representation, enabling efficient and reliable data analysis across diverse healthcare settings.
In addition to my focus on research methodology, I have a keen interest in health data security and secure data linkage. Recognising the importance of protecting sensitive patient information, I explore innovative approaches to ensure secure data integration and analysis. By incorporating robust security measures, I contribute to the development of best practices and policies in the field of health data security. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2225-176X
Abstract:
Introduction: The advent of Trusted Research Environments (TREs) is transforming medical research by balancing data security and privacy. This abstract explores the convergence of security, privacy, federation, and common data models within TREs. By promoting TRE adoption, we advocate for the highest standards of data protection while facilitating comprehensive medical analyses.
Methods: TREs are secure enclaves where sensitive data is processed confidentially, adhering to the Five Safes principles—safe people, safe projects, safe settings, safe data, and safe outputs. These principles ensure that patient information is protected, addressing privacy concerns and fostering trust among stakeholders.
Federation allows analyses across multiple TREs seamlessly, enabling researchers to access and analyse dispersed data without centralising it. This approach preserves data sovereignty and reduces risks associated with large-scale data transfers. The integration of the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) common data model standardises data formats across sources, allowing precise and consistent complex queries. This harmonisation accelerates medical discoveries by providing a unified framework for data interpretation and analysis.
Results: This ongoing work aims to establish a comprehensive national TRE framework, promoting widespread TRE adoption across the country. The goal is to achieve a standardised agreement among data custodians at both state and federal levels.
Discussion: In summary, the convergence of security, privacy, federation, and common data models within TREs represents a paradigm shift in medical research. This integrated approach maintains data integrity and privacy while empowering researchers with advanced tools for collaborative analysis.