Adopting common data elements (CDEs) for the National Trauma Research Repository (NTRR): the results of an acute hospital 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 acute hospital-based trauma care data elements and recommend common data elements (CDEs) for inclusion in the NTRR data dictionary. Methods A 14-member workgroup of military and civilian trauma researchers and data scientists located and reviewed databases, codebooks, data collection forms and published articles for trauma data elements relevant to the acute hospital-based trauma care environment. 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 defined by an 80% agreement threshold. Results 31 sources were reviewed for acute hospital-based trauma care data elements. After the three rounds and workgroup discussions, 62 elements (90%) reached consensus for inclusion, 2 elements (3%) were excluded, and 5 elements (7%) did not reach consensus. After final workgroup discussions, 61 elements were recommended for adoption in the NTRR Discussion The Delphi process proved effective in achieving expert consensus on data elements for acute hospital-based trauma care research. The resulting standardized CDEs will improve data harmonization and support consistent data collection in trauma research. These CDEs represent an initial framework and serve as a foundational starting point for acute hospital-based trauma care data collection within the NTRR. As researchers use the NTRR, the list of CDEs will grow and evolve to meet the needs of the trauma research community. Level of evidence VII.