Adopting common data elements (CDEs) for the National Trauma Research Repository (NTRR): the results of a social determinants of health Delphi survey

Introduction To support the development of the National Trauma Research Repository (NTRR), a multidisciplinary workgroup used a consensus-driven approach to review established social determinants of health data elements and recommend trauma common data elements (CDEs) for inclusion in the NTRR data dictionary. Methods A 13-member workgroup of military and civilian trauma researchers and data scientists located and reviewed databases, codebooks, screening toolkits, and published articles for data elements relevant to social determinants of health. Identified data elements were reviewed in a three-round Delphi survey and monthly meetings with the workgroup were conducted. Consensus during the Delphi survey was identified with an 80% agreement threshold. Results 18 sources were reviewed for data elements relevant to social determinants of health. After the three-round Delphi and post-Delphi workgroup discussions, 29 (42%) data elements, 11 (73%) toolkits, and two (67%) medical terminologies reached consensus for inclusion. Discussion The resulting standardized CDEs will improve data harmonization and support consistent data collection in the NTRR. These CDEs represent an initial framework and serve as a foundational starting point for social determinants of health data collection within the NTRR. As researchers use the NTRR, the list of CDEs will grow and evolve with the needs of the trauma research community. Level of evidence Level VII.