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Know Your IT Team

So, you want to know about IT?! Let me ask you a question: who comes to mind when you hear IT? The field technician who came to install a program on your computer last week; the network engineer who granted you an IP address for a new website; or the information security professional who helped you enable outside users to get to your system via a secure connection through the firewall? Although most people come in contact with few IT professionals, the fact is that IT is staffed with many individuals who have expertise in the many facets of information technology. These individuals work tirelessly to insure that all the computer systems and programs that you use day to day are functioning and available; and in the event of a system malfunction or technical problems, the rapid response of these individuals will ensure that the interruption is kept to a minimum.

At the UConn Health Center, IT is comprised of five major divisions: IT Strategic Projects, Enterprise Systems, Enterprise IT Operations, Health Informatics, and Research Informatics. The IT department is led by the Chief Information Officer (CIO), Ms. Sandy Armstrong.

Enterprise IT Operations

Enterprise IT Operations is responsible for the Health Center's information technology infrastructure (physical structures that form the foundation of IT systems and services, which include - but not limited to - currently installed computing and networking equipment, IT standards and policies, data, and processes), and the security of the network - including over 5,000 computers and network connections. At the Health Center, Enterprise IT Operations includes Reprographics, Telecommunications, Support Services (Help Desk and purchasing), Infrastructure (Network Support, Server Support, and Desktop Support - including field technicians), and IT Security.

Enterprise Systems

Enterprise Systems is responsible for managing and maintaining the systems (programs and data) that are used across the entire Health Center. For example, Enterprise Systems includes IDX, the Financial Reporting System (FRS), Siemens' Physician Order Entry (POE), etc. At the Health Center, Enterprise Systems includes Application Development, Clinical Systems Support, Data Services, and 3rd Party Application Support.

Health Informatics

Health Informatics supports the development of educational information systems, information resources, and improves learning and knowledge outcomes by providing instructional technology, e-learning services, and information resources in support of the missions of the UConn Health Center. Health Informatics services are organized into three major service departments: Faculty Instructional Technology Services, Biomedical and Media Communications, and the Lyman Maynard Stowe Library. This alignment of academic support services is designed to provide synergistic associations and clearly defined areas of responsibility among academic support resources to improve services to faculty, students, staff, and other constituencies of the Health Center.

Research Informatics

Research Informatics is responsible for research systems at the Health Center. Research IT is currently involved in a number of initiatives, including:

  • Updating and implementing the Research IT Plan proposed by First Consulting Group, Inc. in Fall 2006.
  • Leading efforts to create a research tool for designing web-based Case Report Forms (CRFs) and storing research data in a central registry. Related to this effort is the creation of a clinical data warehouse and de-identified database for conducting online retrospective chart reviews and epidemiological research studies; recruitment of patients into clinical trials; and setting up a Gatekeeper/Honest Broker to facilitate access to identified clinical data in accordance with IRB-approved protocols (see project executive summary).
  • Creating a central clinical trials website that provides a maintained and update-to-date list of all active clinical trials at the University of Connecticut, resource information for volunteers and researchers, and a registry of self-enrolled research volunteers.
  • Implementation of GE's Patient Protocol Manager (PPM), which is an IDX add-on that integrates clinical trials billing with the main revenue cycle and allows central registration and scheduling of research participants.
  • Optimizing InfoEd by keeping it up to date (we are currently at version 11.800.01, last patched June 09) , providing proper staffing and support, and creating a long-term plan for integrating its modules with each other and interfacing with outside applications.
  • Creating a central Curriculum Vitae (CV) management system, which will be used to generate standard CV formats, including the NIH Bio-Sketch, and feeding faculty websites and other applications.
  • Working with the research community to procure and manage a central High Performance Computing (HPC) facility
  • Working with the Gene Targeting and Transgenic Facility (GTTF) director on a Request for Information (RFI) to replace the current FileMaker Pro application for managing animal census and husbandry.
  • Working with the Human Subjects Protection Office (HSPO) on a Request for Information (RFI) for an online application for preparing, submitting, reviewing, and managing human subjects protocols.
  • Working with the Bioinformatics group from Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) planning committee and the Connecticut Institute for Clinical & Translational Science (CICATS) on creating a shared vision/roadmap for research informatics at the Health Center and the region.
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