The Data Explorer, DEX for short, is a portal designed to allow UCLH staff to formally request access to patient data. A user-friendly interface allows staff members to create and follow the progress of data requests through a series of streamlined processes, underpinned by a robust Information Governance (IG) framework. 

Background 

One of UCLH’s missions as a research hospital is to gather new knowledge, create innovation and improvement, and implement evidence-driven changes to medicine and health care delivery. In this context, the development of emerging data-driven technologies and increasing digitisation of information are key to enable such transformation. However, health information is amongst the most sensitive types of data and it is the Trust's responsibility to protect our patients at all costs.  

Formal arrangements and security protocols need to be in place to provide researchers with the data they need. DEX aims to make the process efficient, robust and transparent, harmonising the workflow behind each individual request.  Our systems must allow us to clearly identify and describe any data flow in place, including where, how and why such information was requested, used and shared. 

DEX aims to be the Trust's gateway for research data requests. 

Request process 

•    Applicants will be required to complete several forms, ranging from basic information such as contact details and objectives, to more complex details, including required data elements, storage solution and the data disposal plan (for when the data are no longer needed).  

•    The Data Concierge is available to help with completing the request, and at any stage afterwards to follow up with progress on the application. 

•    After submission, the request will be reviewed by the Research Data Access Committee, with representatives from Information Governance, the Joint Research Office, and data leads at UCLH. 

DAP-R 

DEX supports the Data Access Process for Research (DAP-R), a pathway designed for approval and access to routinely-collected, anonymous UCLH data to be used for data-only research. This applies only to studies being sponsored by UCL or ULCH. Click here to learn more about DAP-R. 

Implementation 

DEX is implemented as a Business Process Management (BPM) tool, following conventions defined on the BPM Notation 2.0 (https://www.omg.org/spec/BPMN/2.0/). 

The system is built in Python (programming language) using the open-source web framework Django. 

Contact 

For general enquiries on research at UCL or UCLH, please contact the Joint Research Office: uclh.randd@nhs.net. 

For more information about using DEX and using UCLH data for research, please contact the Data Concierge: uclh.research-dataconcierge@nhs.net. 

Completing a DEX form is mandatory when making a DAP-R application.  Click here to learn more about DAP-R. 

For assistance with other questions about the DEX platform, please contact the DEX team: uclh.dex@nhs.net.