What is GEM?

Grid-Enabled Measures (GEM) is a dynamic Web-based database built upon the caBIG® platform (for more information, see https://cabig.nci.nih.gov/). It contains behavioral and social science measures organized by theoretical constructs. GEM is designed to enable researchers to use common measures with the goal of exchanging harmonized data.

What is HINTS-GEM?

The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) is a biennial, cross-sectional survey of a nationally-representative sample of American adults that is used to assess the usage and impact of the health information environment. Using the infrastructure provided by GEM, HINTS-GEM will allow a broad community of researchers and practitioners to develop and refine a set of survey items for inclusion in HINTS. The resulting systematic and transparent process will draw upon collective expertise across a variety of disciplines to ensure that future iterations of HINTS include measures that are of greatest interest to the scientists and practitioners who use HINTS in their work.

Why use HINTS-GEM?

• Propose new content areas or measures for inclusion in HINTS
• Evaluate and comment on HINTS content areas or survey items
• Stay up-to-date on HINTS data available for download and public use
• Build trans-disciplinary collaborations
• Participate in the national dialogue on cancer communication
• Become an integral part of the HINTS program

Where can I learn more?

You can take advantage of GEM now! Go to https://www.gem-beta.org and register to start contributing to a cumulative base of knowledge in behavioral medicine research. You will be able to access HINTS-GEM in the fall of 2010. Look for HINTS-GEM announcements on the HINTS Web site: http://hints.cancer.gov.

Join HINTS-GEM and help build a better HINTS!