Q: What are the dates of available EHR data?
A: We generally see the most comprehensive data from January 2019 onward. However, there is some facility-by-facility variation that may depend on when the facility implemented their EHR or when an organization acquired a facility. There is also some variation in how complete older data may be. For more information, please refer to our Available Data page.
Q: How long is access granted to the LTC Data Cooperative dataset?
A: Data access is granted in 12-month increments, which coincides with the date data access is granted, plus 12 calendar months or the conclusion of the study
Q: Are electronic health record data available in real-time?
A: The availability of electronic health record data varies by vendor and data lag times can range from about 1 to 6 months.
Q: Are claims data available in real-time?
A: As a result of our data ingestion and linkage processes, we expect there to be a six-month lag between the electronic health records and their corresponding claims.
Q: Can researchers download LTC Data Cooperative dataset data?
A: No, the data remains in the virtual computing environment (Enclave) to ensure compliance with the LTC Data Cooperative’s privacy and security standards.
Q: Can researchers export code and results deriving from data analysis?
A: Analytic code and aggregate results can be downloaded after a review and approval process confirming no PHI/PII or patient-level data are present in the requested export.
Q: Can researchers upload their own data or code to the LTC Data Cooperative Portal?
A: Additional data sources and prewritten code can be uploaded to the virtual computing environment (Enclave) after a review process to ensure alignment with LTC Data Cooperative standards.
Q: Do I need to download any software to access the data?
A: Data environment access is granted through a web browser; common analysis software is pre-installed in the environment. Additionally, a desktop client for PC or Mac can be downloaded to access the environment.
Q: What analytic software is available?
A: SPSS is not available in the virtual environment; SAS, Stata, and R are available in the virtual environment.
Q: Can I request a software package?
A: Please reach out to
LTCDC-Support@acumenllc.com to request a software package be added to the enclave.
Q: Are there storage restrictions in the data enclave?
A: Yes, each project is allocated 300 GB storage space in the shared Project Directories and 100 MB in each user’s Home Directory. Please delete any unnecessary/unneeded files from the directory. Refrain from saving individualized versions of the data, e.g., Stata versions of domain files.
Q: Is there internet access in the enclave?
A: No, internet access is not available within the enclave.
Q: Do you have a policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), including natural language processing (NLP) and language learning models (LLMs)?
A: Yes, please email
LTCDataCooperative@AHCA.org for further information.
Q: What facility-level characteristics are available in the LTC Data Cooperative data?
A: Facility-level characteristics include state, ownership type, and facility type. Researchers who need specific facility-level variables, including variables from external data sources, should describe those needs in their data request so the LTC Data Cooperative team can assess feasibility.
Q: Can I receive additional training on the LINKAGE enclave?