FIG. 5.

CDE Use in Data Analytics. CDEs can work prospectively and retrospectively / independently. The top left scenario depicts a user who may work prospectively with a CDE based structured system, while the user on the bottom left may use independent, laboratory specific data collection systems, which are then harmonized with existing CDEs. These harmonized data can then be used by a variety of big data platforms. The use of CDE based informatic systems in research can facilitate data harmonization, thus easing cross study comparisons, data aggregation and meta-analyses, simplifying staff training and study operations, improving overall study efficiency, and promoting interoperability between different systems. Color image is available online.