Envision a vast repository of health data, encompassing insights from a million diverse Americans—especially those often overlooked in conventional research—poised to redefine the medical landscape. The All of Us (AoU) Research Program, backed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), embodies this vision. The extensive AoU datasets comprise Electronic Health Record (EHR) data, surveys, physical metrics, and whole genome sequencing for approximately 410,000 participants. While the program aspires to propel health research forward and elevate precision medicine, its intricate data framework and stringent security measures have sometimes made it appear as an enigmatic treasure to the broader research community.
MBIS to the Rescue!
Our dedicated team at the Health Sciences Library System’s Molecular Biology Information Service (HSLS MBIS) has taken the initiative to demystify these datasets. Through a valuable partnership with the Department of Biomedical Informatics, we have launched a strategic educational initiative that has already yielded positive outcomes and continues to do so. Since February 2023, our efforts have empowered over 52 researchers with the tools and knowledge to access and analyze the intricate AoU data.
Resources & Offerings:
- Centralized Web Portal: We’ve launched a user-friendly portal with training materials, event schedules, and more.
- Workshops: Our hands-on workshops range from introductory sessions on AoU data structure to advanced classes on survey data and genomics. Join us on October 10 for an introductory class on AoU.
- Code Templates: To facilitate research, we have created reusable R and Python code templates to streamline data analysis, even for those who may not be coding experts.
- Consultations: We understand the unique challenges each researcher faces. Hence, we offer office hours and personalized consultations to cater to individual needs.
Looking Ahead:
Our commitment to enhancing the research experience continues. We are proactively refining our code templates and expanding our resources. The HSLS MBIS stands as a beacon for All of Us outreach, and we invite you to leverage these resources to fuel your research endeavors.
Join us in this journey of discovery and make the most of what HSLS MBIS has to offer!
~Alexis Cenname and Ansuman Chattopadhyay