HDR UK call for funding to launch a pilot real-world evidence network

Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is aiming to establish a Coordination Center for a UK RWE network, leveraging the OMOP CDM for cross-national research efficiency.

HDR UK has initiated a funding call to establish a Coordination Center for a pilot real-world evidence (RWE) network. This network will utilize data collected from various sources across the UK and highlight the potential of the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM) in facilitating efficient cross-national research endeavors.

Support for a pilot RWE network is proposed to understand and demonstrate the impact of research and innovation stemming from the utilization of high-quality data mapped to the OMOP CDM.

The key objective of this funding call is to commission a Coordination Center and its leadership team. This center will be tasked with establishing a network of data partners that can provide access to research-ready datasets, along with associated analytical scripts and tools, supporting priority research inquiries and contributing to valuable public health insights.

The network will build upon previous investments made towards harmonizing data assets to the OMOP CDM, including leveraging UK-based EHDEN data partners. Additionally, it will draw upon international OMOP-based developments, such as OHDSI and DARWIN-EU^®, to further enhance the capabilities of the network.

The successful Coordination Center will facilitate the selection of up to seven ‘OMOP-ready’ data partners through a separate funding call slated for early summer 2024. These partners are anticipated to comprise organizations from various regions of the UK, tapping into resources like the NHS Research Secure Data Environments (SDE) network and Scottish Data Safe Havens. The center will support data partners in characterizing their data resources, maintain a catalogue of data sources and software tools through the Health Data Research Innovation Gateway, and conduct high-quality research studies using partners’ data.

The adoption of standards and CDMs is crucial for enhancing data usability and interoperability for the generation of RWE. This approach has demonstrated significance in various scientific applications, including medical product safety surveillance, comparative effectiveness research, personalized risk prediction, and drug effectiveness assessment.

The funding for this call amounts to £250,000 to support the winning organization for 1 year, with an additional £300,000 allocated to aid up to seven UK data partners. Initially funded for 12 months, the Coordination Center will serve as a proof of concept for a sustainable UK RWE network. During this period, stakeholders will collaborate to develop a proposal for a subsequent phase of development based on progress assessment and future opportunities.