FAQs

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B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM (BRIDGE)

What is B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM? B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM (BRIDGE, which stands for Benefit-Risk Information for DruG Evaluation) is a web-accessible subscription resource of database profiles that provides in-depth information on population healthcare databases, which are continuously updated. BRIDGE is continually optimized for database acquisition, efficiency, and user-friendliness. It is designed to allow easy update of information, so that it is based on the most relevant and current data. BRIDGE contains supplemental research and professional features such as search, report, edit, and comparison functions. We work closely with database managers, healthcare professionals, and customers as we continue to develop and refine BRIDGE.

When was B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM started? BRIDGE is the most recent and updated version of the RAD-AR (Risk Assessment of Drugs-Analysis & Response) Handbooks (1988), and later the BRIDGE 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 DATASM.

Does B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM have an Advisory Board? Yes. We have a committee of eight professionals spanning government, academic, private industry, and consulting fields. For more information see Advisory Board.

Who edits the database profiles? Each of the databases have been researched and reviewed by our expert staff at DGI, Inc. The Primary Editor of the database profiles is our Executive Director, 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 BRIDGE On-Line (2000) service. Dr. Jones is 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 is currently a member of the clinical faculty at Georgetown University (Pharmacology) and at the University of Michigan Summer School of Public Health. As a final review, we obtain the assistance of the respective database managers to review each field entry, a process which we continue to follow even after the database profile has been deposited into BRIDGE. Once a year we contact individual database managers to verify that the profiles detail the most current information.

How often are the database profiles updated? The database profiles undergo a thorough review by our expert staff at DGI, Inc., the Primary Editor (Dr. Judith K. Jones), and each of the managers at the respective databases before they are submitted to BRIDGE. After that, the details are verified once a year with the respective database managers.

How many database profiles are listed with B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM? We currently have 80+ database profiles from 17 countries spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and New Zealand. Our goal is to have about 100 database profiles this summer, and about 200 database profiles by December 2010.

Which countries are the database profiles from? At present BRIDGE includes multiple database profiles from North America (USA and Canada), Australia, Europe (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom), Asia (China, India, Korea, Taiwan), and New Zealand. We plan to expand our collection of database profiles to include many more countries such as Austria, Finland, Japan, Switzerland, and some African countries.

Why are some databases not currently profiled on B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM? The main goal of BRIDGE is to profile databases from around the world with the most current information. Therefore, BRIDGE continuously profiles databases as new databases are created, developed, or updated. 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). Please contact us to determine if a database of your interest is not profiled on our website due to such restrictions set by the database managers, or if it will be added to BRIDGE in the near future.

Do I have to register to use B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM? Yes. The registration only takes a few minutes. Click Sign-up to start the registration process. To learn more about our subscription rates and current discounts, click Subscription.

Why can I not ADD a database when I am logged in as a user? You can not ADD a database when you are logged in as a user. You have to log out and register as a DBM in order to do so. If you have questions, please contact us at info@bridgetodata.org

Once a person adds one database and comes back later in the month to add another one, does (s)he have to register again? No, once they have the DBM account, they can add more than one database as long as their account is still active. If the account has been de-activated, they can simply contact DGI personnel at info@bridgetodata.org

Do you have a tutorial for B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM? Yes. BRIDGE 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 BRIDGE’s capabilities, search methods, and comparison features, try out our online Tutorial.

Do you have a glossary of field terms used by B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM? Yes. We hope to set a high standard in healthcare research by providing detailed listings of database profiles, with over 75 descriptors per database. We are aware that many BRIDGE users are new to healthcare databases, and so we provide a comprehensive Glossary of field names and coding systems. We hope that BRIDGE can be both a useful research tool as well as an educational experience.

How can I contact B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM for help? You can contact DGI, Inc. 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 (703) 894 0804 or fax us at +1 (703) 894 0803. We have a BRIDGE expert who can address all your customer service needs during regular business hours (weekdays 8 AM – 5 PM US Eastern Time).

Can I contact a manager of a database that was profiled on B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM? 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.

Billing and Payment

What are the subscription rates? Please Click Here for our subscription rates

Are there any discounts available? Yes, subscribers who sign-up for more than one year at the time of registration will receive a 10% discount!

How do I sign-up? Click here. You will be prompted to complete a one-page registration form. Please remember the log-in and password you enter during registration. As soon as the payment type and payment information is submitted, you will receive a confirmation that you have been registered. After that, enter your log-in and password on the homepage, and you can start your B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM experience!

Can I pay by credit card? Yes. This is the preferred method of payment for BRIDGE subscriptions. All charges will be in U.S. Dollars. We accept American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa. If you wish to pay by cheque or wire transfer, please Contact us. NOTE: If you pay by wire transfer, you will have to bear an additional cost of US $15 (fee charged by our bank for international transactions only).

Do you have a Refund Policy? For details, please see the Cancellation section under Terms of Use.

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 BRIDGE. Please fully read the Terms of Use to make sure your activities on BRIDGE are consistent with the Agreement made between DGI, Inc. and the Authorized User, as soon as you were given authorization to access BRIDGE. If DGI, Inc. learns of any unauthorized use of BRIDGE, we hold the right to cancel the account without refund. Note: Subscription rates are per facility only.

What is your Privacy Policy? DGI, Inc. takes every measure possible to prevent privacy violations, and any such activities should be reported to DGI, Inc. immediately. You can find our policy at Terms of Use. We take your privacy and information security very seriously.

What are your telephone and fax numbers? Phone: +1 (703) 894 0804
Fax: +1 (703) 894 0803

What is your mailing address?

DGI, Inc.
B.R.I.D.G.E. TO DATASM
1616 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1430
Arlington, VA 22209
USA

How do I get on your mailing or email list? Send us an email at info@bridgetodata.org and let us know that you wish to get on to our mailing list, and we will send you valuable information from time-to-time.