Standards
FITBIR has established a foundation of initial standards and conventions for data-sharing within the TBI research community. As a research portal, FITBIR provides a platform for investigators to define, refine, and standardize data definition for TBI research.
Clinical Assessments
FITBIR supports an unlimited number of clinical, demographic, and phenotypic data associated with TBI human subject research. Although the definition of clinical data is much smaller in size than rich data types like imaging and genomics, it is especially important for data to be aggregated across projects and data repositoriesThe following are some of FITBIR's primary tools to be used for this purpose:
FITBIR GUID - A common research subject identifier to be used across all research projects is essential for data aggregation. The FITBIR GUID provides this capability.
FITBIR Data Dictionary - Common Data Element definitions developed by the CDE Workgroup that are incorporated and extended into the FITBIR Data Dictionary allows investigators to define the data they submit, as well as alternate terms for the same element (i.e., aliasing) and translation across terms
Data Validation Tool - Before data will be accepted by FITBIR, all data must pass the formatting, value range, and intra-field validation checks defined in the FITBIR Data Dictionary. The Validation Tool is publically available. It allows a researcher to check their data and fix any discrepancies prior to that data being submitted to FITBIR. FITBIR supports clinical data submissions formats of tab delimited, comma separated value (CSV), or XML.
For general information on preparing data for submission to FITBIR, please review the Contributing Data section.
Imaging
To assist in submitting imaging data to FITBIR, researchers can use a component of the MIPAV (Medical Image Processing, Analysis, and Visualization) application. By using the MIPAV component for FITBIR, you will be able to quickly prepare your image data for submission. Additional details for image submissions will be available at a later date.
FITBIR supports multiple imaging forms. For questions or more information on working with the FITBIR image submission tool, please contact us at .
Data Sharing Regimen
FITBIR has outlined a data submission schedule defined in the Data Sharing Policy document. This policy may also be included in the terms and conditions of certain TBI-related grant awards. Please contact or visit the FITBIR Data Submission Schedule web page if more specific guidance is needed.
