Database > Database Core
Database Core
"Access to timely data that is suitable for health services research often is a barrier faced by many investigators." Data obtained from state agency sources typically require long wait times for permission, high procurement costs and delays for obtaining data from the claims processors of the agencies, cumbersome use of programmers, and arduous follow-ups for missing data. The lack of an easily accessible state healthcare database is a major impediment to conducting health services and outcomes research that is specific to the needs of West Virginia (WV). A more coordinated health services utilization and cost database would provide researchers easier access to data to develop and conduct health services and health outcomes research projects, as well as enhance their competitiveness to attract grants and contract research funding from federal agencies and private foundations.
The goal of the Database Core is to identify and procure both national-level and West Virginia-specific state-level healthcare utilization data, and then prepare and store the data in a repository that serves as a rich resource to stimulate health services research. The ongoing activities of this Core are to annually update the repository with the most recent data, protect the data with security measures that are compliant with HIPAA regulations, and maintain the database with the latest technological updates.
Stephen A. Small, MS, RPh: Core Co-Director
Michael J Smith, PhD, RPh: Core Co-Director
Dale C. Moore, MS: Database Core Consultant
Rahul Khanna, MS: Graduate Assistant
Abhijeet Bhanegaonkar, MPH: Graduate Assistant