Biomedical Informatics Section (BIS) project support of high-priority HIV projects

National Institute On Drug Abuse

Investigators

Abstract

We interact with NIDA/IRP investigators to develop biomedical informatics applications and solutions that can access, manage, disseminate, and analyze large quantities of high-quality data. We develop, research, and/or apply computational tools to assist in the acquisition and analysis of biological, medical behavioral or health data, within a specific time frame determined to be appropriate by the NIDA/IRP. We help facilitate new system initiatives and changes to existing systems to meet legislative, regulatory, and departmental requirements within the specific time frames designated by each requirement. We conduct routine system analysis of automatic data processing resources and techniques of existing projects. We recommend, as needed, the implementation of new technologies that are efficient and timely. We provide technical and professional support to help integrate computer systems, design or acquire computer programs, configure and support networks and streamline automated data processing within the NIDA/IRP's specified timeframe. We also integrate scientific data systems with network services and cybersecurity services to foster safe and secure NIDA/IRP laboratory collaboration and for collaboration with extramural entities, when possible, integrate scientific data systems with one another and ensure design for interoperable data. We designed and deployed a mobile solution in collaboration with NIDA/IRP clinical investigators which enables studying craving and mood related to opioid and cocaine use among asymptomatic HCV+ and HCV methadone patients who have not started antiviral treatment. The smartphone-based system is capable of delivering a flexible ecological momentary assessment solution with multi-modal prompting operations and has enhanced integrated geolocation recording capabilities dynamically linking craving and mood to the whereabouts of the participants. In addition, a collaborative project named ANCHOR (A novel Model of Hepatitis C Treatment as Anchor to Prevent HIV, Initiate Opioid Substitution Therapy, and Reduce Risky Behavior) is complete for data collection to evaluate a model of care for treatment of hepatitis C in people with ongoing injection drug use. These systems have been used in multiple protocols to better understand, for example, why some people are more likely to engage in HIV prevention behaviors.