Maelstrom Research guidelines for rigorous retrospective data harmonization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is widely accepted and acknowledged that data harmonization is crucial: in its absence, the co-analysis of major tranches of high quality extant data is liable to inefficiency or error. However, despite its widespread practice, no formalized/systematic guidelines exist to ensure high quality retrospective data harmonization.

Methods

To better understand real-world harmonization practices and facilitate development of formal guidelines, three interrelated initiatives were undertaken between 2006 and 2015. They included a phone survey with 34 major international research initiatives, a series of workshops with experts, and case studies applying the proposed guidelines.

Results

A wide range of projects use retrospective harmonization to support their resear

SUBMITTER: Fortier I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5407152 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature