Slim-prim: a biomedical informatics database to promote translational research.

With the current national emphasis on translational research, data-exchange systems that can bridge the basic and clinical sciences are vital. To meet this challenge, we have developed Slim-Prim, an integrated data system (IDS) for collecting, processing, archiving, and distributing basic and clinical research data. Slim-Prim is accessed via user-friendly Web-based applications, thus increasing data accessibility and eliminating the security risks inherent with office or laboratory servers. Slim-Prim serves as a laboratory management interface and archival data repository for institutional projects. Importantly, multiple levels of controlled access allow HIPAA-compliant sharing of de-identified information to facilitate data sharing and analysis across research domains; thus Slim-Prim encourages collaboration between researchers and clinicians, an essential factor in the development of translational research. Slim-Prim is an example of utilizing an IDS to improve organizational efficiency and to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and practice.