Research Our Practice Advisories (OPAs)

Epic Research OPAs (OurPractice Advisories) are specialized advisories within the Epic system designed to support clinical research activities. These advisories function similarly to other OPAs by providing timely alerts. However, they are specifically tailored to enhance research processes and ensure compliance with research protocols. 

For example, Research OPAs can: 

  1. Alert Study Team: Notify a study team when a person may be eligible for a research study based on specific criteria. 

  1. Enhance Patient Safety: Provide alerts related to safety within the context of a research study, ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. 

 

There is a cost associated with this service. 

Workbench Reporting for Research

Epic Reporting Workbench (RWB) is a powerful tool within the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system. It is designed to simplify and enhance reporting by allowing users to create, customize, and manage distinct types of reports that can be used for research with studies with an Epic Research Record.  

Here are some key features of Reporting Workbench: 

  1. Real-Time Data: RWB provides real-time insights. This is particularly useful for generating up-to-date reports. 

  1. Customizable Reports: Users can filter, sort, and customize reports to meet specific needs. This flexibility allows for tailored reporting that can address unique questions about participants in a research study. 

  1. Data Visualization: RWB supports various data visualization options, including charts and graphs, making it easier to interpret and act on the data 

SlicerDicer based queries for Research

Epic SlicerDicer is a self-service data exploration tool within the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system, designed to help users analyze and visualize large datasets. It is particularly useful for research purposes due to its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities. Here are some key features of SlicerDicer for research: 

  1. Customizable Data Exploration: Researchers can customize searches to explore large patient populations, using various filters and criteria to refine their data sets.  

  1. De-identified Data: SlicerDicer can present de-identified information. 

  1. Visualization Tools: The tool offers various visualization options, including bar graphs, line graphs, maps, and tree maps, helping researchers to identify trends and patterns in the data 

  1. Real-Time Analysis: Researchers can perform real-time data analysis, allowing them to quickly generate insights and hypotheses. 

Build it Yourself (BIY) Orderset Tools

BIY or User SmartSets can be created based off the Research Standard Orders SmartSet .  This allows the researcher to set defaults and pre-select relevant orders for a particular study protocol.  Because of the limited orders in the Research Standard SmartSet and the inability to add orders, this option is best for simple protocols.

Custom SmartSet Builds

Epic custom OrderSets and SmartSets are specialized tools within the Epic system designed to streamline and enhance clinical workflows, particularly for research purposes. Here is an overview of their roles and benefits in research: 

OrderSets 

OrderSets are predefined groups of orders that can be quickly applied to a patient's record. For research, custom OrderSets can include specific tests, treatments, and procedures required by a study protocol, ensuring consistency and compliance with study requirements. 

SmartSets 

Similar to OrderSets, SmartSets are more comprehensive and can include not only orders but also documentation templates, decision support tools, and patient instructions. For research, custom SmartSets facilitate the management of complex study protocols by integrating all necessary components into a single, easy-to-use set. 

Benefits for Research 

  • Efficiency: Custom OrderSets and SmartSets save time by allowing clinicians to quickly enter multiple orders and documentation elements with a few clicks. 

  • Consistency: They ensure that all study participants receive the same interventions and assessments, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the research. 

  • Compliance: These tools help ensure that all required elements of the study protocol are followed, reducing the risk of protocol deviations. 

  • Integration: They integrate seamlessly into the Epic system, allowing for real-time data capture and reducing the need for duplicate data entry. 

Example Use 

Clinical Trials: Custom OrderSets can include all necessary lab tests, imaging studies, and medication orders required for a clinical trial. 

 

There is a cost associated with this service. 

MyChart for Research Recruitment – Coming Soon

MyChart messaging for research recruitment is a feature within the Epic system that allows researchers to electronically recruit potential participants. Here is how it works and its benefits: 

How It Works 

  • Precision Recruitment: Researchers can identify potential participants through database queries. These queries help focus on specific study criteria. 

  • Direct Communication: Once identified, potential participants receive an invitation message via their activated MyChart account. This message is IRB-approved and provides information about the study and how to participate. 

  • Secure and Efficient: The messaging system is secure, ensuring patient confidentiality while allowing for efficient communication. 

Benefits 

  • Enhanced Recruitment: MyChart messaging can improve recruitment rates by reaching many eligible participants quickly and directly. 

  • Cost-Effective: It reduces the need for traditional recruitment methods like postal mail, which can be time-consuming and expensive. 

  • Participant Engagement: This method engages potential participants by connecting them with research opportunities that may be relevant to their health. 

Example Use 

Clinical Trials: Recruiting participants for clinical trials involving specific medical conditions, such as cardiac issues or diabetes. 

 

There is a cost associated with this service.