
Common Data Elements
The consistent use of common data elements (CDEs) standardizes data collection across studies and makes it easier to combine data from multiple studies. NIH collects the definitions of the CDEs that are required or recommended by NIH Institutes and Centers in the NIH Common Data Element Repository (CDE-R). CDEs can also be grouped into collections called forms. NIH-endorsed CDEs are collections of CDEs that meet specific criteria established by NIH.