Q: Who should apply to use the LTC Data Cooperative?
A: Researchers who are conducting embedded pragmatic clinical trials, public health surveillance, and comparative effectiveness studies are encouraged to apply. More information on research categories can be found in the catalogue
here.
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: This process varies greatly depending on several factors, but on average we expect it to take two months. Please note if your project requires access to the CMS-EMR linked data on the MedRIC enclave, there will be an additional application process (please refer to the post-approval FAQs for more information).
Q: Who should I contact with questions on the application process?
Q: When should I fill out an application to use the LTC Data Cooperative data?
A: After you have submitted a Specific Aims page and it has been approved, a representative from the LTC Data Cooperative team will email you with approval to submit an application.
Q: Who is on the LTC Data Cooperative Review Committee?
A: The review committee is comprised of 6 long-term care industry experts including AHCA/NCAL Board Members, and the LTC Data Cooperative leadership committee.
Q: I need a letter of support to send to my funding entity. How do I obtain one from the LTC Data Cooperative and how long will it take?
A: Please still follow the application steps (submit a Specific Aims page and then an application) - there is a section of the application that asks whether a letter of support is needed. From the point of application submission, researchers can expect to receive a letter of support within 4-6 weeks.
Q: What if I need input on my analytic plan before I submit to the IRB?A: Please contact
LTCDataCooperative@AHCA.org and a representative will assist you.
Q: What research projects are appropriate for use of the LTC Data Cooperative data?
A: In general, research that falls under one of the following key purposes: (1) observational, comparative effectiveness research; or (2) clinical research studies, including provider and patient recruitment into Phase 3 and Phase 4 randomized trials. For more detailed information and examples, please refer to the
“Research Categories, Topics, & Examples” document under the downloads section of this page.
Q: What is meant by “comparative effectiveness research”?
A: Comparative effectiveness research is the generation and synthesis of evidence that compares the benefits and harms of alternative methods to prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor a clinical condition or to improve the delivery of care. Its purpose is to assist consumers, clinicians, purchasers, and policy makers to make informed decisions that will improve health care at both the individual and population levels. In the case of the LTC Data Cooperative, analyses are likely to be cross-sectional or longitudinal analyses of the existing EMR data comparing patients who were or were not exposed to a particular treatment (drug, test or care regimen) or who were exposed to different treatments intended to address the same clinical condition.
Q: What is the cost to use the LTC Data Cooperative data?A: Standard access is free. Additional services and data, including clinical trials, may incur additional costs that researchers must budget for in their proposals. For more information, including a definition of standard access, please refer to the document titled “
Cost to Access LTC Data Cooperative EHR Data” under the downloads section of this page.