DataDirect - Updates to user interface streamline access to deidentified EHR data

Users of DataDirect may notice some changes in the self-serve tool's user interface. This is a shared effort in partnership with the Michigan Medicine Data Office for Clinical and Translational Research, which originally launched and manages the PHI version of DataDirect.

The overarching goal of these changes is to make access to the deideintified EHR data the default option, enhancing security and safety around access and use of Michigan Medicine patients’ EHR data.

DataDirect UI Updates

• We have added the following language to the login page in support of using deidentified data:

  • “Maintaining the security of Michigan Medicine patient’s health data is a top priority for University leadership. To maintain the privacy of our patients, University policy is to use deidentified patient data for the majority of our research and scholarly efforts. Exceptions may be granted to access PHI data for specific research requirements such as direct access to MiChart for chart review, or patient recontact goals. The deidentified health data available in Deidentified DataDirect are date-shifted consistently per patient across all datasets to preserve seasonality. 

    Accessing Michigan Medicine patients’ health data is a privilege. Please use deidentified datasets for your research to contribute to the University of Michigan’s goal of promoting safety and security for Michigan Medicine patients’ health data.”

• We are also requiring an extra step in order to access PHI EHR data. Researchers now need to click a link and login with their level-2 credentials.