Development and use of a flexible data harmonization platform to facilitate the harmonization of individual patient data for meta-analyses

Joeri Kalter, Maike G. Sweegers, Irma M. Verdonck-De Leeuw, Johannes Brug, Laurien M. Buffart*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Harmonizing individual patient data (IPD) for meta-analysis has clinical and statistical advantages. Harmonizing IPD from multiple studies may benefit from a flexible data harmonization platform (DHP) that allows harmonization of IPD already during data collection. This paper describes the development and use of a flexible DHP that was initially developed for the Predicting OptimaL cAncer RehabIlitation and Supportive care (POLARIS) study. Results: The DHP that we developed (I) allows IPD harmonization with a flexible approach, (II) has the ability to store data in a centralized and secured database server with large capacity, (III) is transparent and easy in use, and (IV) has the ability to export harmonized IPD and corresponding data dictionary to a statistical program. The DHP uses Microsoft Access as front-end application and requires a relational database management system such as Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) Server or MySQL as back-end application. The DHP consists of five user friendly interfaces which support the user to import original study data, to harmonize the data with a master data dictionary, and to export the harmonized data into a statistical software program of choice for further analyses. The DHP is now also adopted in two other studies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number164
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalBMC Research Notes
Volume12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Mar 2019

Funding

The POLARIS study was supported by the “Bas Mulder Award”granted to L.M. Buffart by the Alpe d’HuZes foundation, part of the Dutch Cancer Society (VU 2011‑5045). The funding body had no role in the design of the study and col‑ lection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing the manuscript.

FundersFunder number
Alpe d’HuZes Foundation
Dutch Cancer SocietyVU 2011‑5045

    Keywords

    • Centralized and secured database server
    • Easy in use infrastructure
    • Flexible data harmonization platform

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