NA-ACCORD requests data annually from our collaborating cohorts via a standardized data collection protocol that is sent out during the spring. The process to add new data elements begins many months before the next data submission request is sent to collaborating cohorts and involves multiple rounds of review.
Below is an overview of the timeline and process of adding new data elements. Additional details and the template for proposing new data elements is available here.
Below is an overview of the timeline and process of adding new data elements. Additional details and the template for proposing new data elements is available here.
Process Timeline*
Prior to drafting a proposal to add new data elements, please contact Catherine Lesko ([email protected]), Director of the Epidemiology/Biostatistics Core, to confirm the data elements you are proposing are not already available.
May - August
- Use the template provided below to draft the proposal.
- Email completed request in Word file format to Aimee Freeman ([email protected]).
- Once submitted, the request will be reviewed by the Administrative Core (AC), Data Management Core (DMC), and Epidemiology/Biostatistics Core (EBC); please allow up to 3 weeks for this review. During this review, the Cores will determine if the new data elements need external funding to support collection (and will advise on how to proceed if funding is needed). Questions/concerns raised during this review step must be addressed by investigators before proceeding to the next step.
- New data requests must be reviewed by relevant NA-ACCORD Scientific Working Groups (SWGs). This typically occurs during SWG calls held in the fall/winter months (September-December). The AC will work with you to identify SWG(s) relevant to the request, ensure the new data request is added to the SWG meeting agenda, and provide you with information needed to join the meeting. A revised version of your request (incorporating feedback received from the AC, DMC, and EBC) must be sent to Aimee Freeman ([email protected]) at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled fall SWG call so that SWG members can review the proposal prior to the meeting.
September – January
- The request will be shared with relevant SWG Chairs for dissemination to SWG members at least 2 weeks prior to the fall SWG call. The SWG(s) will discuss the request during their fall SWG calls (September-December). You will be asked to join the SWG meeting(s) to briefly present the request and engage in questions/discussions with SWG members. Questions/concerns raised during this review step must be addressed by investigators before proceeding to the next step. A revised version of your request must be sent to Aimee Freeman ([email protected]) by January 15.
February – April
- The EC will review the revised version of the request in preparation for the annual NA-ACCORD meeting. The Steering Committee (SC) will then review the requests for new data elements during the annual NA-ACCORD meeting, which occurs in March. The SC and the EC will determine inclusion of new data elements in the annual NA-ACCORD Data Submission Request (distributed in April to contributing cohorts).
April
- If the new data elements are approved, they will be included into the annual NA-ACCORD Data Submission Request. The new data elements will be available for analysis in 15 months.