Establishing the PhenX Toolkit as a Biomedical Knowledgebase

Research Triangle Institute, Durham NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The goal of PhenX (consensus measures for Phenotypes and eXposures) is to provide investigators with standard measurement protocols (e.g., questionnaires, bioassays, physical measurements) to improve the quality and consistency of data collection and increase the impact of individual studies. Over time, this common currency will enable investigators to more easily combine studies to increase statistical power and compare studies to validate findings. Enabling analysis of shared data should lead to a better understanding of the etiology, progression, and treatment of human disease, ultimately leading to improvements in patient care, health outcomes, and quality of life. To this end, PhenX has established a freely available, web-based catalog of measurement protocols intended for use in genomic, clinical, translational, and epidemiological research with human participants. The PhenX Toolkit content and features are driven by the scientific community. The PhenX Steering Committee (SC) provides overarching guidance and each measurement protocol in the PhenX Toolkit is selected by a Working Group (WG) of experts using a consensus-based process that relies on input from the scientific community. The research plan will establish the PhenX Toolkit as a sustainable knowledgebase that organizes, accumulates, and annotates standard protocols and links them to relevant resources and data. Specifically, this administrative supplement will expand the Toolkit to address medical cannabis use, polysubstance use, and recovery. The specific aims of this administrative supplement are to (1) review and adjust stigmatizing language in the Substance Abuse and Additions (SAA) collections, (2) identify pertinent linkages among SAA measurement protocols and other protocols in the PhenX Toolkit, (3) address gaps in SAA coverage related to Medical Cannabis Use, Polysubstance Use, and Recovery, and (4) disseminate results to the scientific community. This effort will support NIDA-funded initiatives, raise awareness of the Toolkit as a valuable resource, and attract additional users to the Toolkit. Widespread adoption of PhenX measures will facilitate cross-study analysis, thus increasing the scientific impact of individual studies.