About DARTNet
DARTNet’s Mission is to improve health and healthcare through practice-based inquiry and collaborative learning.
Our Vision is to lead and support a data driven learning health care collaborative based on primary care practices engaged in translational research, collective inquiry, and continuous quality improvement.
The Technology
DARTNet is a federated network electronic health record data and other clinical information from multiple organizations across the United States. A federated network is a collection of databases that reside in multiple member practices and that are linked through a secure Web-based system so they can be searched and queried as one large database while maintaining privacy and confidentiality of patient data.
Data from each member practice’s EHR is captured, de-identified, coded, standardized and stored in a database called the Clinical Data Repository (CDR) which resides at each individual practice. The CDR also connects to other important data sources such as billing, lab, hospital, and prescription databases. To link the different databases, DARTNet uses advanced clinical decision support tools.
Data from the CDR are transferred to a second database called the Gateway. The Gateway makes de-identified data from DARTNet practices available through a secure Web-portal, to be used for research studies and quality improvement activities. Permission from each practice is required each and every time to make data available to DARTNet.
DARTNet Learning Community
All DARTNet members can benefit from the Learning Community, which provides performance reports practices to identify leaders in patient care. Leaders share their innovative approaches, effectively raising the bar for care in areas such as diabetes management, hypertension control, and chronic kidney disease.
Accomplishments to Date
DARTNet has conducted a set of pilot studies to test the application, integrity, functionality, and security of the federated system. Topics include the comparative effectiveness and safety of oral medications for patients with type 2 diabetes, interventions for treating community acquired MRSA infections, and the comparative effectiveness and safety of therapies for major depression. DARTNet is currently assessing treatment of chronic kidney disease.
Practice performance reports are available for type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1c levels, lipids, microalbumin, and blood pressure), hypertension (blood pressure), chronic kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate), hyperlipidemia, and Pneumovax immunizations.
Member Networks
eNQUIRENet – the original DARTNet network, has primary care members throughout the U.S.
CoNNECT – focuses on primary care practices that have onsite and integrated mental health providers
CCPC – the Connecticut Center for Primary Care – focuses on primary care practices in Connecticut
SAFTINet – a network of safety net organizations such as community health centers
STARNet – primary care PBRN located in South Texas
UNYNet –upstate New York PBRN
WPRN – a network of primary care practices serving Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho