Database Management

Data Entry System Provides Central Repository for Training Materials

ntomchin — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 04:28:01 +0000

Data Entry System Provides Central Repository for Training Materials

ntomchin Wed, 03/09/2022 - 11:28

The ask: The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Worker Training Program (WTP) needed a web-based system for WTP grantees across the country to enter and retrieve their individual, program-related training data. This data entry system also had to integrate with the existing National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training (Clearinghouse).

The solution: MDB staff designed, developed, implemented, maintains, and provides technical and user support for the NIEHS WTP Curricula Information and Data Management System (DMS). The DMS was designed to work with the Clearinghouse website as a complete system for entering, storing, retrieving, searching for, and disseminating data, information, and training materials about hazardous waste worker training.

During the design phase of the system, MDB staff worked with both WTP staff and grantees to conduct a thorough evaluation of the previous system, uncover detailed requirements for both immediate and future functionality, and develop prototypes to simulate the system’s “look and feel.”

Notable outcomes: The DMS currently contains information on the more than 279,000 training courses conducted by WTP grantees. This information provides the basis for congressional data calls and justifications, data analysis and evaluation projects, State Profiles, and WTP Program summaries, and, most importantly, tells the story of the history, growth, and impact of the Worker Training Program.

< BACK TO PORTFOLIO

Grant Coding Database Supports Research Program’s Mission

ntomchin — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 04:27:06 +0000

Grant Coding Database Supports Research Program’s Mission

Database Management

Environmental Science

Website & App Design

ntomchin Wed, 03/09/2022 - 11:27

The ask: The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Division of Extramural Research and Training (DERT) frequently needs accurate, detailed information on the research they fund. This information allows NIEHS staff to provide scientists, community members, and decision makers a snapshot of their research, as well as identify gaps and strengths in the institute’s research portfolio.

The solution: MDB worked with DERT’s Program Analysis Branch to develop the Grant Coding Database (GCDB) to categorize and store details about each funded grant. Our information specialists collaborated with DERT staff to define key ideas and develop structured terms that describe scientific and programmatic details, including how the grants fit into the NIEHS Strategic Plan. These terms were used to tag each NIEHS-funded grant for categories related to experimental methods, chemical exposures, and health outcomes. MDB also developed a relational database on the Oracle platform with an attractive, simple user interface, that allows users to pull customized reports with specific criteria. Finally, we wrote specialized database queries to check for consistency as part of the quality control process.

Notable outcomes: Over 7 years, MDB scientific information specialists coded nearly 5,000 NIEHS grants. We leveraged the database to help DERT answer specific questions about its funded research and generated eye-catching data visualizations. Our grant coding information was used extensively by DERT staff for internal program evaluation and presentations. Our resulting grant portfolios and visualizations were also used by DERT staff to produce concept clearance presentations for National Advisory Environmental Health Sciences Council meetings, and to brief members of Congress on specific scientific issues.

< BACK TO PORTFOLIO

Developing User-Friendly Search Tool for Superfund Research Program Website

ntomchin — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 04:23:46 +0000

Developing User-Friendly Search Tool for Superfund Research Program Website

Communication & Outreach

Database Management

Environmental Science

Website & App Design

ntomchin Wed, 03/09/2022 - 11:23

The ask: The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Superfund Research Program (SRP) needed an intuitive, user-friendly web tool to quickly find SRP-funded research projects on specific topics.

The solution: MDB leveraged detailed SRP project data stored in the NIEHS Division of Extramural Research and Training Grant Coding System (GCDB). to design and build a faceted search tool that allows users to apply one or more filters (e.g., chemicals studied, health outcomes) to locate relevant SRP projects. MDB developed a strategy to import SRP project data from the GCDB, modify the data to map to plain-language filter terms on the search tool, and store the modified data in the SRP database. Our experience with scientific terms and categorization, as well as familiarity with the SRP data, were critical in creating this useful search tool.

The SRP website faceted search tool has provided an intuitive, simple way to search for and find information about SRP projects. It also has facilitated collaboration and information sharing among researchers with similar interests.

< BACK TO PORTFOLIO

Building a Searchable Database of Infectious Disease Resources

ntomchin — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 03:44:47 +0000

Building a Searchable Database of Infectious Disease Resources

COVID-19

Database Management

Emergency Public Health

Occupational Safety & Health

ntomchin Wed, 03/09/2022 - 10:44

The ask: Concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Worker Training Program to request a database for storing resources on worker safety and infectious diseases.

The solution: Since 2000, MDB has operated the Worker Training Program’s National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training, a vast archive of information on hazardous waste management and safety. For the new request, MDB created a searchable database within the Clearinghouse, called the Material Upload and Search Tool for Infectious Disease (MUSTID).

More than 500 infectious disease resources are now available through MUSTID to Worker Training Program staff, grant administrators, trainers, and the public. The breadth of MUSTID resources continues to grow as Worker Training Program grant administrators and trainers share resources to be uploaded. Resources are curated and tagged with keywords to enhance searchability.

Notable outcomes: MUSTID was initially launched in June 2020 as an internal tool for WTP and housed within the program’s internal Data Management System. In October 2021, the MUSTID public portal was launched to provide accessibility to anyone interested in infectious diseases and worker health and safety.

Many of the MUSTID resources focus on the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, as well as other coronaviruses (e.g., the MERS and SARS viruses), but the database is growing to include information related to influenza, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases.

Resources include clinical and operational guidelines, regulations, checklists, FAQs, training materials, and peer-reviewed articles that explain the science behind guidance documents.

< BACK TO PORTFOLIO