PCORnet is the infrastructure funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to support patient-centered research, with an emphasis on the use of EMR data across multiple sites. Every PCORnet network partner maintains its EMR data in the PCORnet Common Data Model (CDM) which standardizes millions of data points from diverse clinical information systems into a common format. PCORnet represents a diverse set of patients and institutions, ranging from academic medical centers to local community health clinics, across the United States. PCORnet is an integrated partnership of large Clinical Research Networks (CRNs) and a Coordinating Center. PaTH is the PCORnet CRN in which Johns Hopkins is a member institution.
PCORnet – National PCORI funded research network that includes eight clinical data research networks (CRNs) and a coordinating center https://pcornet.org.
PaTH – One of the eight CRNs: based at U Pittsburgh and includes Johns Hopkins https://www.pathnetwork.org.
Johns Hopkins PCORnet/PaTH Program – Site-specific program within the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR)
PaTH is composed of seven institutions (Universities and Associated Health Systems)
- University of Pittsburgh/UPMC (Lead)
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Temple University
- Penn State
- Ohio State
- University of Michigan
- Geisinger
Who is the Jo
Daniel Ford, MD, MPH – PCORnet/PaTH Johns Hopkins PI and Director of ICTR
Harold Lehmann, MD, PhD – PCORnet/PaTH Co-PI and Informatics Director
Megan “GK” Gauvey-Kern, MS – PCORnet/PaTH Program Director
Data-only studies – The Common Data Model across all PCORnet sites supports non-consented research using EMR data within PaTH CDRN or the broader PCORnet network. There is an IRB application and Data Use Agreement already in place that may be sufficient for, and will likely speed up implementation of, your proposed study
Cohort Studies – Prospective studies that include both research (consented) data collection and EMR data, integrated together
Pragmatic Clinical Trials – Multicenter trials that may include randomization and utilization of EMR data as primary outcomes
NOTE: Studies can include only PaTH institutions or institutions from the other CDRNs
No – PCORnet/PaTH studies have been funded by PCORI, NIH, foundations (e.g. AHA) and commercial organizations (e.g. PHARMA including Pfizer and Amgen)
Ready access to EMR data from multiple institutions that, depending on the need for PHI, may be ready for analysis, with IRB and Data Use Agreement already in place
Assistance with proposal development, including prep-to research queries and facilitating collaboration with other PCORnet/PaTH institutions (identification of ideal sites, site PIs, patient partners, etc.)
Regulatory experience working with partner institutions (sIRB, contract, DUAs)
Facilitate working with patient partners
Support research across all diseases and age groups
As is always the case, very brief timelines (days to weeks) are not conducive to strong collaborations. Therefore, investigators are encouraged to reach out to the PCORnet/PaTH team at least six weeks before any grant deadlines
We suggest to first contact Megan “GK” Gauvey-Kern or one of the faculty leaders to determine if PCORnet/PaTH would be a good collaborator with your proposed research project. Our team will be able to outline next steps for collaboration and make the appropriate referrals.
There is a semi-structured Front Door process in place to access PCORnet/PaTH resources that we will help research teams when needed.
As is always the case, very brief timelines (days to weeks) are not conducive to strong collaborations. Therefore, investigators are encouraged to reach out to the PCORnet/PaTH team at least six weeks before any grant deadlines
We suggest to first contact Megan “GK” Gauvey-Kern or one of the faculty leaders to determine if PCORnet/PaTH would be a good collaborator with your proposed research project. Our team will be able to outline next steps for collaboration and make the appropriate referrals.
There is a semi-structured Front Door process in place to access PCORnet/PaTH resources that we will help research teams when needed.
A list of ongoing and completed Johns Hopkins studies can be found at https://www.pathnetwork.org/Research.
Examples of PCORnet research projects can be found at https://pcornet.org/research.
If you are interested in collaborating with us and/or considering using the PCORnet CDM for a research project, the first step is always to reach out to the Johns Hopkins PCORnet/PaTH team at [email protected] and/or [email protected].
Please provide as much information about the proposed project as possible.
