JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare informatics, adopting a standardized Common Data Model (CDM) is a pivotal strategy for harmonizing data from diverse sources into a cohesive framework. This approach enhances the interoperability and utility of health data and supports the advancement of precision medicine, public health monitoring, and evidence-based policy-making while maintaining the governance of sensitive data.

Objective:

To understand the public's acceptance of CDM in medical data management in China, and to explore potential advantages, and challenges faced for the better promotion, implementation, and development of CDM in China.

Methods:

A questionnaire survey, using Sojump and spreading on WeChat, was conducted to evaluate the Chinese population's acceptance of transitioning from local databases to standardized CDM, including an assessment of their comprehension of CDM and the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDM, along with their views on the importance of CDM for regional databases in China. The analysis of the survey outcomes will uncover the current state, challenges, and tendencies in the application of CDM within the Chinese healthcare sector, offering a foundation for future efforts in data standardization and sharing. The reliability of the questionnaire data was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and Guttman's Lambda 6 to determine internal consistency.

Results:

A survey of 418 participants revealed that 41.87% were aware of CDM, with 60% of doctoral degree holders. Recognition of CDM grows with higher education levels and is notably higher in Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and pharmaceutical companies. Only 13.71% had comprehensive understanding, which rises to 23.81% among the doctoral group. Knowledge of CDM is mainly gained through literature and conferences, with formal education being less common. Logistic regression analysis indicates that those with doctoral degrees, researchers, executives, medical professionals, data engineers, epidemic control staff, and statisticians are more likely to be aware of CDM. 94.74% believe CDM integration in China is necessary for standardization and efficiency. Despite 60.7% optimism for OMOP as the CDM of choice, challenges such as mapping traditional Chinese medicine or Chinese medical insurance still exist.

Conclusions:

A large proportion of respondents express a favorable view on the implementation of CDM in regional databases in China, with a notable endorsement from the doctoral group and CRO as well as pharmaceutical companies. They are convinced that CDM has the potential to boost research productivity and optimize data management processes. The participants have suggested enhancing CDM-related education and formulating regulations for data sharing to foster the advancement of CDM within China.