Scalable PArtnering Network
Overview
The objectives of SPAN are to develop a distributed research network (DRN) that is operable across a range of health-care systems; permits menu-driven querying of data; utilizes patient-level data for analyses; and has engaged and proactive governance of the network. Investigators are able to employ the SPAN query tool to conduct analyses preparatory-to-research, as well as complex multivariable analyses, using data marts built to specifically address comparative effectiveness research questions related to obesity and ADHD.
Quick Facts
- PI: Matthew F. Daley, MD of Kaiser Permanente Colorado’s Institute for Health Research
- Funding agency: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- Year funded: 2010
- Related studies funded, since inception: 13
- Website: span-network.org
Primary Investigator
Matthew Daley, MD
Key Partners, Accomplishments, & Capabilities
Participating Research Centers
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority (Denver, CO)
- Essentia Institute of Rural Health (Duluth, MN)
- Geisinger Clinic (Danville, PA)
- Group Health Cooperative (Seattle, WA)
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc. (Boston, MA)
- HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research (Minneapolis, MN)
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Institute for Health Research (Denver, CO) lead site
- Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research (Atlanta, GA)
- Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, Center for Health Research (Honolulu, HI)
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research (Oakland, CA)
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Center for Research (Portland, OR)
Additional Partners
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Florida
- University of Pennsylvania
Selected Accomplishments
- Designed a distributed research network (DRN) that permitted menu-driven querying and analysis of patient-level data.
- Expanded the scalability of the network by including integrated delivery systems and community partners.
- Developed a governance plan for oversight of data access and sharing, operational and technical concerns, and potential conflicts of interest.
- Built population-based cohorts for conducting CER.
Demonstrated Capabilities
The SPAN for CER network is a fully functional distributed research network (DRN) that has been implemented at 11 sites. It is actively used to conduct science through the access of individual-level data at participating sites and the use of SAS®, which has enhanced functionality. Scalability is demonstrated through the inclusion of two community health systems with different patient populations, healthcare delivery systems, and data environments.