If data are in scope for a domain defined in this guide, but not all data can be collected using the domain's collection fields, then fields may be added from the CDASH Model, the SDTM, or created using guidance below.
Prior to adding fields from the CDASH Model, the SDTM, or considering a new field, confirm that none of the fields in the domain will fit the need. Fields may be added from the CDASH Model, the SDTM, or created only when data are different in nature and are not in scope for collection fields in this guide.
Once confirmed, determine whether adding a field from the CDASH Model will fit the need or, if not, whether using a variable from the SDTM will fit the need. If adding a field from the CDASH Model or SDTM meets the need, then a new field will not be created. New fields will only be created when data are not in scope for a field defined in the CDASH Model or a variable defined in the SDTM.
Once confirmed, the overall process for extending metadata is as follows:
Using the root variables and other CDASH metadata in the CDASH Model, add any additional variables that are needed to meet the requirements of data collection.
- Refer to both the CDASH Model and Appendix x, CDASH Model Metadata Tables.
Follow CDASH root variable-naming conventions where they exist (e.g., --DAT for dates, --TIM for times, --YN for prompts, as described in the CDASH Model) and align with Appendix x, CDISC Variable-naming Fragments, conventions as applicable.
- Select variables from the SDTM when fields from the CDASH Model cannot be used. Selection of variables must align with SDTM Usage Restrictions.
Create a new data collection field when fields in the CDASH Model and variables from the SDTM cannot be used.
When creating a new data collection field, determine whether the data will be used for an operational use case, such as data cleaning, or are actual data to be represented in a tabulation dataset. In general, new data collection fields (not already defined in the CDASH Model) will fall in one of following categories:
A field used for operational, Data Cleaning purposes only.
A field used to collect data that have Direct Mapping to a target variable in the tabulation dataset.
A field used to collect data that have No Direct Mapping to a target variable in the tabulation dataset.
The table below provides implementation guidance aligned with both the category of the field and target variable.