Abstract

The Systematic Review Data Repository (SRDR) is an open-access, collaborative, Web-based repository of systematic review data currently under development by the Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) at Tufts Medical Center with support from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The system was recently released to EPCs, some selective organizations, and the public in June 2012. The purpose of this repository is to improve the quality and efficiency of producing systematic reviews, in order to inform policy decisions with regards to health care. In the present report, we examine several major nontechnical challenges related to future governance of the repository, as well as questions regarding user certification, data curation and quality control, and intellectual property rights. We explore two possible future funding scenarios and their attendant governance structures, based on a yearlong discussion with the existing project scientific advisory committee and other experts. Our purpose is to advance the conversation with respect to a permanent institutionalization of the SRDR project in order to encourage the participation of relevant stakeholders in the development and success of this important resource.

Contents

• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• SRDR Governance and Data Management
  • Governing Body
  • User Certification
  • Quality Control
• Conclusion
• References

Prepared for: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services¹, Contract No. 290-2007-10055-I, Prepared by: Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA

Suggested citation:

Lau, J, Hadar N, Iovin R, Ip S, Balk EM. Proposed Governance and Data Management Policy for the Systematic Review Data Repository. Research White Paper (Prepared by the Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, under Contract No. 290-2007-10055-I). AHRQ Publication No. 12-EHC138-EF. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. September 2012. www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov.

This report is based on research conducted by the Tufts Evidence-based Practice Center under contract to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD (Contract No. 290-2007-10055-I). The findings and conclusions in this document are those of the author(s), who are responsible for its content, and do not necessarily represent the views of AHRQ. No statement in this report should be construed as an official position of AHRQ or of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The information in this report is intended to help health care decisionmakers—patients and clinicians, health system leaders, and policymakers, among others—make well-informed decisions and thereby improve the quality of health care services. This report is not intended to be a substitute for the application of clinical judgment. Anyone who makes decisions concerning the provision of clinical care should consider this report in the same way as any medical reference and in conjunction with all other pertinent information, i.e., in the context of available resources and circumstances presented by individual patients.

This report may be used, in whole or in part, as the basis for the development of clinical practice guidelines and other quality enhancement tools, or as a basis for reimbursement and coverage policies. AHRQ or U.S. Department of Health and Human Services endorsement of such derivative products or actions may not be stated or implied.

None of the investigators have any affiliations or financial involvement that conflicts with the material presented in this report.

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