VA Information Resource Center

Learn about common VA data sources and how they are used in research and quality improvement in VIReC’s Database & Methods Cyberseminar series. VIReC staff and invited lecturers will discuss available VA data and information systems, uses of VA data in past research and new applications, explore the limitations of secondary data in research, and resources to support use of VA data. Whether an experienced VA data user or just getting started, listeners are sure to learn more about the ever-evolving VA data environment.

Seminars are typically held on the first Monday of the month from 1:00–2:00 PM (ET).

Tune in to the Research & EHR Synergy cyberseminar series for information on VA’s transition to the Cerner Millennium electronic health record (EHR) relevant to research and quality improvement projects. Sessions will highlight topics ranging from using the Millennium EHR and Millennium-generated data for research to implementation strategies for effective EHR modernization (EHRM) transitions. This series is suitable for staff of all levels engaged in VA Research and Quality Improvement projects. Research & EHR Synergy is produced by VIReC in conjunction with the ORD Office for the Sustainment & Implementation of Research EHR Solutions (OSIRES) and the VA Coordinating Hub to Promote Research Optimizing Veteran-Centric EHR Networks (PROVEN) to help VA researchers understand VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) transition process and its potential impacts and opportunities.

Sessions are typically held the fourth Wednesday of each month from 12:00–1:00 PM (ET).

Explore uses of VA data and information systems in quality improvement projects and research-operations partnerships with VIReC’s cyberseminar series, Using Data & Information Systems in Partnered Research. Sessions highlight QUERI projects and Partnered Evaluation Initiatives, partnered research experiences, and operational data resources that are available to VA researchers. The target audience for this series includes QUERI, Partnered Evaluation Initiative, and CREATE researchers and project staff, researchers focused on quality improvement, quality improvement managers, operations staff, and other key stakeholders.

Sessions are typically held the third Tuesday of each month from 12:00–1:00 PM (ET).

Discover how data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are a valuable resource for learning about healthcare Veterans received outside the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Join VIReC, the data steward for CMS data in the VHA, for a miniseries on the use of these data in VA research. Sessions will focus on types of data available, such as Medicaid, Medicare, CMS OMOP, and USRDS data; methods for using the data in research; limitations of the data; requirements for access; and examples of VA research that use these data. This series is geared toward researchers interested in care Veterans receive outside the VHA.

Seminars are generally held quarterly on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 3:00 – 4:00 PM (ET).

VIReC hosts occasional cyberseminars on various topics related to the use of CDW data for VA research. Join experts from VIReC and guest speakers for these lively and informative presentations.

Join data access and policy experts for a five-part miniseries on access to VA data for preparatory to research activities, approved research projects, and operations (non-research) purposes. Sessions provide an overview of data access request processes, insight on regulatory requirements, and address where to find related resources. This miniseries is geared toward new and established VA employees who are interested in VA data access and regulatory policy.

Note: Access to VA data for any purpose is limited to individuals who hold a current VA facility appointment (e.g., employee, Without Compensation appointment (WOC), or Intergovernmental or Personnel Act (IPA) appointment). Visit the VA Data for Non-VA Researchers page for more information on how to access VA data through collaborative research studies or by obtaining a VA facility appointment.

Join VIReC staff, health services researchers, and other data experts for discussions on good practices for using data throughout the research project lifecycle. Good Data Practices sessions emphasize practical guidance on data use and related issues. Sessions in this miniseries are beneficial for new and experienced researchers, research staff beginning new projects, and for those looking to improve their data-related practices.

This series will be offered periodically with three to four sessions on related topics, e.g., access to VA data, closing your research project, data privacy and security issues in research, etc.

In this currently archived series, presenters elaborate on applications of clinical informatics in research and quality improvement projects and explain how to evaluate clinical informatics and IT interventions.