i2b2: Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside

The i2b2 tool is an informatics tool that organizes and transforms electronic health record (EHR) data to optimize it for clinical research. It was designed and developed by Harvard Medical School with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is now used by more than 250 research institutions worldwide.

In 2016, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) at Mayo Clinic deployed its instance of i2b2. i2b2 is offered as a self-service tool, free of charge to all Mayo Clinic staff. Customer support and consultation also are provided by CCaTS informatics team. Since its deployment, the tool has been used by over 1,000 Mayo Clinic researchers for:

  • Feasibility analysis.
  • Study design and determination of eligibility criteria.
  • Cohort identification.
  • Recruitment of patients to studies.
  • Population health research.

In addition, Mayo Clinic's instance of i2b2 enables Mayo Clinic researchers to participate in collaborative, multisite research in these ways:

  • ENACT Network. Mayo Clinic joined the Accrual to Clinical Trials (ACT) Network in 2018 and now actively participates in the Evolve to Next-Gen ACT (ENACT) Network. The ENACT Network links Mayo Clinic's i2b2 data with that of other sites in the NCATS CTSA consortium, giving researchers access to cohort discovery across over 142 million patients. In addition, Mayo Clinic is an active member of the Data Harmonization working group for ACT.
  • National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C). The availability of data via i2b2 enabled Mayo Clinic's timely participation in this partnership focused on COVID-19 research.
  • Trial Innovation Network (TIN). i2b2 allows Mayo Clinic to participate and respond quickly to requests from other institutions.

Mayo Clinic employees can find more information about i2b2 on the Mayo Clinic network by accessing the i2b2 intranet site. To receive access to i2b2, please follow the link titled "How do I get started?"

Acknowledgment

The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) offers and supports Mayo Clinic's installation of the i2b2 tool.

NIH's Public Access Policy requires that all publications that result from NIH funding be uploaded to PubMed Central. Review the process for uploading publications.

All users of the i2b2 tool must cite the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award (grant UL1TR002377) in any resulting publications. Citation meets NIH regulations and helps ensure that support is available for future research.

Find more information and example citations.