Autism Speaks, in partnership with Prometheus Research, deploys new online assessment portal for parents

NEW HAVEN, Conn., April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Autism Speaks and Prometheus Research have teamed up to develop a new, more user-friendly assessment portal through which parents can complete surveys for use in autism research.  The tool, called the Online Clinical System for Research (OSCR), allows parents to complete forms over the web and makes them accessible to Autism Speaks' Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) scientists, among others.  Assessments collected via OSCR provide important clues for autism research, increase the power of statistical analyses, and are easily shared with scientists and clinicians via a secure browser. The next step is to expand OSCR's impact by making it available to the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network.

Prometheus Research, a leading provider of data management services for behavioral and biomedical research, developed the newest version of OSCR.  "Our implementation placed a greater emphasis on usability but retained the functionality that researchers and parents value most," said Prometheus CEO, Dr. Leon Rozenblit.  "This was a excellent use case for our new open-source electronic data capture tool, RexAcquire, part of the RexDB platform. RexDB simplifies data collection and, most importantly, automates the integration of survey data with internal study-specific information."  Autism Speaks is now able to view OSCR data alongside information on patient visits, diagnosis, biospecimens, and medications.  "Through its support for new study configuration and data re-purposing, the integrated data management platform will enable Autism Speaks to significantly grow their research capabilities," added Dr. Rozenblit.

Autism Speaks' VP of Clinical Programs, Dr. Clara Lajonchere, added "The OSCR system provides researchers and clinicians the ability to rapidly collect important clinical information while simultaneously reducing the burden on families by allowing them to participate at their own pace. This web-based patient-facing data collection interface will allow families to work more closely with researchers and healthcare professionals in real time.  Questionnaires can be integrated with electronic medical records or made available to clinicians prior to a clinical visit allowing healthcare professionals to better understand patient needs.  Families participating in Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network will see the benefits of OSCR firsthand during their clinical visits and participation in research projects."

To access OSCR, visit https://oscr.familyagre.org/.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $195 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships and related activities in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

About Prometheus Research
Prometheus Research's mission is to help research institutions and funding organizations get more utility from their data.  Prometheus offers integrated data management services, expert consulting, and software customization to deliver sensible solutions powered by their adaptable, open-source, web-based RexDB technology.  Several of Prometheus' inventions have made significant advances in the areas of data acquisition, integration, curation, and exploration including the open source query language, RexQL (formerly HTSQL), and the Open Source Research Exchange Database, OS RexDB, technologies that have received support from both the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health.  Prometheus is proud to serve some of the most ambitious research endeavors in the world including Autism Speaks, the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), the Marcus Autism Center, and the Yale Child Study Center.

To learn more about Prometheus Research, visit www.PrometheusResearch.com.

SOURCE Prometheus Research