Common Data Model

Conducting multi-institutional clinical research requires a research platform that allows participating research partners to use the data resources in a predictable and efficient way. Common data models are one approach to achieving this aim. PEDSnet makes data available in two common data models, the PEDSnet CDM and the PCORnet CDM.

PEDSnet Common Data Model

PEDSnet chose from the onset of the network to establish a pediatric-specific Common Data Model (PEDSnet CDM) for the storage of PEDSnet data. The use of an internal CDM allows PEDSnet to quickly add data domains or data elements needed by pediatric investigators. Two examples are age-normalized anthropomorphic measurements (height, weight, BMI percentiles based on CDC routines) and census block geocoding for location-based data queries linked to geocoded environmental data sets.  The PEDSnet CDM is based on the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics collaborative's OMOP common data model. This CDM focuses strongly on terminology standardization, resulting in use of common standard terminologies such as SNOMED-CT,  RxNorm, CPT, and LOINC for both clinical and demographic facts.  The OMOP model was expanded to include the PCORnet and pediatric specific data standards, as developed by PEDSnet. The PEDSnet CDM subsumes all PCORnet elements, but addresses important data elements not yet addressed in the PCORnet-wide CDM. 

Because PEDSnet is a Clinical Data Research Network, meaning that its data members are health systems, the majority of the information in the PEDSnet core data resource is related to the delivery of clinical care:

As this spider-web shows, the PEDSnet CDM is anchored by persons and their encounters with either the health system or research studies.  Protocol-specific data, such as survey responses or biospecimen status, is also incorporated into the CDM and transmitted to the DCC.  This also influences the way each type of information is collected, as this slightly more detailed description of the core domains above and additional components of the CDM highlights:

If you'd like a really detailed view of the CDM, such as you'd need to design a study, please take a look at the CDM ETL Specifications.   You're also welcome to contact the Data Coordinating Center with any questions, or to obtain machine-friendly versions of the data model specification.  The DCC conducts extensive data quality and characterization analyses, to assess the behavior of data collected in the CDM. 

PEDSnet Data Terminology

PEDSnet uses SNOMED-CT as the data terminology for our CDM. Investigators who have ICD-9 codes can visit the following website to explore SNOMED Concepts. Any questions can also be directed to the Data Coordinating Center, where staff will be happy to assist you in finding the right diagnostic codes for your project. 

PCORnet Common Data Model

PCORnet created the PCORnet Common Data Model, summarized below for networks in the PCORnet initiative, to facilitate the sharing of information across the wider PCORnet network.   The PCORnet Common Data Model is based on the Mini-Sentinel Common Data Model, and is used for PCORnet sponsored studies and data queries. As a PCORnet network, PEDSnet participates in these queries when approved by PEDSnet governing bodies.

The PEDSnet DCC has developed automated transformations from the PEDSnet CDM to the PCORnet CDM, demonstrating the feasibility of interconversion between CDM representations of similar content, and supporting participation in many collaborative research communities.

pcornet cdm