Data safe haven for military, Veteran, and family health research

LAY SUMMARY Big data promises to revolutionize health care but presents challenges to researchers hoping to use it. The challenges include acquiring the data, creating a working environment capable of processing the data, and knowing how to effectively use the data to solve problems. A data safe haven is a solution used in several health care domains. It provides safe and secure transfer, storage, and access for sensitive health care data. The Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Data Safe Haven (CDSH) provides a secure data repository and analytics platform for researchers of military, Veteran and family health. The CDSH provides state-of-the-art analytics software and can be easily expanded in terms of capacity and functionality. Researchers access the CDSH using a remote desktop over a secure communication channel. The CDSH can simplify grant applications, project initiation, and project operation. It can also enhance collaboration and enable researchers to address new problems.