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The Researcher's Guide to VA Data

VA Information Resource Center

 

VIReC Cyberseminars

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Cyberseminar Series

Learn About VA Data

Whether you’re new to working with VA data or an expert interested in how the analytic community is using VA’s vast data stores, we have a cyberseminar for you!

Cyberseminar Archive

VIReC Cyberseminars are available as live sessions or on-demand, archived presentations from the VIReC Cyberseminar Archive hosted by HSR.

View Cyberseminar Archive

VIReC Cyberseminars are a great resource for learning about VA data. We host several cyberseminar series. Each has a unique focus and covers a range of topics that provide guidance and expert discussion on VA databases and information systems or on key issues related to using VA data. Select a series below to learn more.

Database & Methods

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).

Visit VIReC's Database & Methods to view past sessions.


Research & EHR Synergy

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).

Visit VIReC's Research & EHR Synergy Archive to view past sessions.


Using Data & Information Systems in Partnered Research

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).

Visit VIReC's Partnered Research Cyberseminar Archive to view past sessions.


Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Data

Discover how data from the Centers for Medicare & 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).

Visit VIReC's CMS Data Miniseries Cyberseminar Archive to view past sessions.


Corporate Data Warehouse

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.

VIReC recommends these archived seminars for those new to using the CDW.


Data Access

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.


Good Data Practices

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.

Visit VIReC's Good Data Practices Cyberseminar Archive to view past sessions.


VIReC cyberseminars are supported by the Health Systems Research (HSR) Center for Information Dissemination and Education Resources (CIDER).

Upcoming Seminars

Register for an upcoming session by selecting register from the table below or by accessing the HSR Cyberseminar Catalog.

Date/Time* Presentation Series Presenter(s) Register
5/19/2025
1:00 pm
Using Rigorous Partnered Evaluation to Enhance Implementation and Build Partnerships: Examples from the Women’s Health Innovations and Staffing Enhancements Initiative (WHISE) Using Data & Information Systems in Partnered Research Shay Cannedy
Kristina Cordasco
Kimberly Lind
Chelsea Morgan
Tanya Olmos-Ochcoa
Register
6/2/2025
1:00 pm
Description of the CORC (COVID-19) Research Data Repository (RDR) Database & Methods George Ioannou
Kristin Wyatt
Register

*All sessions are listed in Eastern time.