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B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA® (B.R.I.D.G.E.)
What is B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®?
B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA® (B.R.I.D.G.E. stands for Benefit-Risk Information for DruG Evaluation) is a non-profit web-accessible subscription resource of database profiles worldwide that provides in-depth information on population healthcare databases. B.R.I.D.G.E. is optimized to allow easy update of information, so that it is based on the most relevant and current data available. The resource allows searching by keyword or criteria, creating personal collections, comparing and exporting search results and other great features. We work closely with database managers, healthcare professionals, and customers as we continue to develop and refine B.R.I.D.G.E. with additional profiles and features on an ongoing basis. Download our brochure for more information.
When was B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA® launched?
B.R.I.D.G.E. is the most recent and updated version of the RAD-AR (Risk Assessment of Drugs-Analysis & Response) Handbooks (1988), and later the B.R.I.D.G.E. On-Line (2000) service. The current service was re-launched in November 2009 after being re-branded as B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®.
Does B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA® have an Advisory Board?
Yes. We have a committee of eight professionals from government, academia and private industry. For more information see Advisory Board.
Does B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA® have actual data sets for analytical studies?
No, though in future we might be able to get de-identified samples for selected datasets. B.R.I.D.G.E. was initially developed to support researchers, educators and healthcare database developers to provide detailed, standardized profiles and descriptions of population healthcare databases. Most useful is the description of how the information is collected, coded, and what portion of the population each database covers. B.R.I.D.G.E. does not include any proprietary or actual data from databases listed in the resource. A subscription to B.R.I.D.G.E. allows a user to search, compare, and read in-depth information about what data are being collected by various population healthcare databases. Each profile also contains database contact information, which allows users to contact them and discuss access to datasets. The Administrative Data section of each database profile includes a brief summary of the format in which data may be provided to researchers, as well as the cost to access data.
Who edits the database profiles?
Each of the databases has been researched and reviewed by our expert staff at DGI, LLC. The Primary Editor of the database profiles until August 2020 was our Executive Director, the late Judith K. Jones, MD, PhD, who also managed the previous versions since 1988, of the Risk Assessment of Drugs Analysis & Response (RAD-AR) Handbooks and later the B.R.I.D.G.E. On-Line (2000) service. Dr. Jones was an internationally recognized expert in the areas of adverse drug reactions and Pharmacoepidemiology, an internist/geriatrician and clinical pharmacologist, and formerly Director of the Division of Drug and Biological Experience at the FDA. Dr. Jones leaves behind a strong team of well-trained experts who continue to draft and review the profiles, currently headed by Sharmila Kamani. However, as a final review, we still continue obtaining the assistance of the respective database managers or representatives to review each field entry, a process we still follow even after the database profile has been uploaded onto B.R.I.D.G.E.
Are all database profiles reviewed by database managers?
A few database profiles on the B.R.I.D.G.E. site are not reviewed by database managers because the data are usually publicly available on their respective websites. In such cases the expert staff at DGI, LLC drafts the profile and uploads it on to the B.R.I.D.G.E. website (with the knowledge of the database manager). The database managers are given the option of reviewing the profile at any time in the future and updating it as needed. NOTE: These profiles are distinguished in the B.R.I.D.G.E. resource with a double asterisk (**).
How often are the database profiles updated?
The database profiles undergo a thorough review by our staff at DGI, LLC, and each of the respective database managers/representatives before they are uploaded on to B.R.I.D.G.E. After that, the profiles are updated on a regular basis. However, in case of major changes to ownership or database name, we update the profiles as needed.
How many database profiles are listed with B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®?
We currently have ~500 database profiles from 73 countries. Our goal is to continue adding more database profiles on a regular basis from many countries worldwide, while updating critical information throughout existing profiles, at the very least the Administrative Information section.
Which countries are the database profiles from?
At present B.R.I.D.G.E. includes database profiles from the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central America, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Serbia, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe We plan to expand our collection of database profiles to include many more countries.
How does B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA® decide on which databases to profile?
In general:
• Our priority is to seek databases with comprehensive total populations for health research
• We look for databases with healthcare population data utilized in regulatory processes
• Besides, we focus on specialty databases, such as disease-specific registries, genetic and tissue databases, biobanks
These priorities come from a variety of sources:
• Our long history of working within the field of pharmacoepidemiology
• DGI, LLC Advisory Board
• Ongoing review of scientific literature
• Requests from subscribers
• Database managers that contact us directly
• Scientific meetings like ICPE
Why are some databases not currently profiled on B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®?
The main goal of B.R.I.D.G.E. is to profile databases from around the world with the most current information. Therefore, B.R.I.D.G.E. profiles databases as new ones are created. We work with each database manager to ensure their database profile is complete and accurate. Although we try to include as many profiles on our web site as possible, we unfortunately cannot profile every database. In some cases it takes time, and in other cases data centers with private or non-commercial databases may not wish to disclose their data to non-affiliates (or the international community). To view them see our Declined List.
Please contact us if a database of interest is not profiled on our website; it may be due to such restrictions set by the database managers, or because the database is no longer being offered. However, we do have some database profiles that are either currently or no longer being offered; these are indicated with the symbol §.
Do I have to register to use B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®?
Yes. The registration only takes a few minutes. Review our Subscription Rates before registering.
Do you have a tutorial for B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®?
Yes. B.R.I.D.G.E. is designed to be user-friendly and caters to a spectrum of users, including those new to pharmacoepidemiology as well as experienced researchers. However, to learn more about B.R.I.D.G.E.’s capabilities, search methods, and comparison features, check out our online tutorials on How to Conduct a Search, How to Create a Collection, and How to Sign Up.
Can I search for database profiles that capture data on a specific disease or therapy?
There are several databases listed in B.R.I.D.G.E. that capture data on various diseases/therapies of interest even though the specific disease/therapy is not mentioned in the profile. We therefore recommend multiple strategies in searching for datasets by disease/therapy type. For example, here are some options for identifying databases with diabetic patients:
1) Keyword-based search: On the search page, type in a keyword(s) or wildcard term(s) to search for keyword matches in the profile. E.g., Keyword = Diab (for “diabetic,” “diabetes”). If the term appears in a profile, it will be highlighted in yellow at each mention. Disease terms are usually mentioned in these fields: Brief Database Description, Diagnosis Data, and References. Using unique terms such as “insulin” and “HbA1c” may also help.
2) Criteria-based search: On the search page, select Diagnosis data = Yes, and then review search results for diagnosis coding system(s). The coding system usually helps identify whether the specific diagnoses of interest are captured in that database. The reference listing in each profile may also give you a sense of the diseases captured by any given database.
NOTE: Most profiles do not break down database population sizes by disease type; this proprietary information can only be provided by the respective data vendors. The user can then contact the database manager(s) mentioned in the Administrative Data section for more information.
Can I contact a manager of a database that was profiled on B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®?
Yes. Each database profile usually has the contact information for one or more persons in charge of the respective database, who may be able to address your specific needs of that database. We also provide you active links to the respective database homepage for you to explore. If you need assistance and are unable to reach the respective database representative, please contact us, and we will try to help you.
I have more information regarding a particular database profile. Who should I contact?
Please contact us, so we can follow-up.
What if I need help with my database-related project? Does DGI offer database landscaping services?
The B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA® Team also offers assistance on database-related projects and can be contacted any time for a proposal (info@bridgetodata.org). Some examples of how DGI can help with your projects include:
• Conduct comprehensive database searches (externally and within our professional network);
• Identify KOLs for a specific therapeutic area;
• Identify data sources meeting your study’s unique criteria;
• Communicate with data vendors on your behalf;
• Facilitate data access (third-party data requests);
• Develop searchable database repositories customized for your team;
• Create tables of multi-source data elements (study data feasibility, publication tables);
• Help incorporate B.R.I.D.G.E. as a database teaching tool in your classroom.
See our DGI services page for more details.
Do you have a glossary of field terms used by B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®?
Yes. We hope to set a high standard in healthcare research by providing detailed listings of database profiles, with over 135 descriptors per database. We are aware that many B.R.I.D.G.E. users are new to healthcare databases, and so we provide a comprehensive Glossary of field names and coding systems. We hope that B.R.I.D.G.E. can be both a useful research tool as well as an educational experience.
How can I contact B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA® for help?
You can contact DGI, LLC by clicking on the “Questions & Feedback” button at the top of every page. You can submit your questions using the e-mail form that appears, or by e-mailing us at info@bridgetodata.org. You can call us at +1 (571)-402-1576. We have B.R.I.D.G.E. experts who can address all your customer service needs during regular business hours (Mon-Fri 8 AM – 5 PM US Eastern Time). NOTE: We are closed on all US holidays.
Billing and Payment
What are the subscription rates?
Our Subscription Rates page should provide you with all the necessary information. If you are interested in a rate for unlimited users worldwide, or in licensing our proprietary B.R.I.D.G.E. extract, please contact us.
Are there any discounts available?
- Sign up for Unlimited Users worldwide for 2 or more years, and receive a 10% discount with pre-payment.
- Get a 10% discount for each year of subsequent licensing of our B.R.I.D.G.E. extract after the initial year.
Contact us for more details.
How do I sign-up?
Go to our sign up page. Select the account type and complete the one-page registration form. Please make a note of the username and password entered during registration. After we review your registration, we will contact you regarding payment and provide access to B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®.
Can I authorize another person to access my account?
No. Under no circumstances can you let any other individual log-in with your account to B.R.I.D.G.E. Please fully read the Terms of Use Agreement to make sure your activities on B.R.I.D.G.E. are consistent with the Agreement made between DGI, LLC and the Authorized User, as soon as you were given authorization to access B.R.I.D.G.E. If DGI, LLC learns of any unauthorized use of B.R.I.D.G.E., we hold the right to cancel the account without refund.
If my company works with external consultants, can we sign them up as users with our account?
Yes, this may be permitted under certain circumstances. Consultants, however, must limit their access to B.R.I.D.G.E. for work conducted for the subscribing institution in accordance to our Terms of Use.
Can a user migrate from one account (linked with one company) to another account (linked with another company)?
Yes. If you have questions about this option, or if you would like to transfer your user account to a new account (linked with another company) please contact us.
Can one subscription level (e.g., Up to 10 users) be upgraded to a subscription level that allows more users (e.g., 20 or Unlimited users)?
Yes. If you have questions about upgrading your current subscription to include more users at your institution, please contact us. We can accommodate your request any time and charge you the difference for the rest of the subscription period.
What types of payment do you accept?
- ACH (Domestic): Please contact us for routing details.
- Wire Transfer: Please contact us for routing details. NOTE: An additional charge of US $40-$50 will be added to the invoice. (Fee imposed by banks).
- Check (Domestic): Please make payment in the amount due to: DGI Center for Health Research and Education, LLC and mail to:
DGI, LLC
4000 Legato Road
Suite 1100
Fairfax, VA 22033
USA
Note: We do not accept credit cards.
Do you have a Refund Policy?
For details, please see the Cancellation section of our Terms of Use policy.
What is your Privacy Policy?
DGI, LLC takes every measure possible to prevent privacy violations, and any such activities should be reported to DGI, LLC immediately. View our privacy policy for more information. We take your privacy and information security very seriously.
What is your telephone number?
Phone: +1 (571)-402-1576
What is your mailing address?
DGI, LLC
B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATA®
4000 Legato Road, Suite 1100
Fairfax, VA 22033
USA
How do I get on your mailing or email list?
Email us at info@bridgetodata.org if you wish to get on to our mailing list, and we will send you valuable information from time-to-time.