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In cases where the forms are NOT predefined (e.g., a standardized depression measure), determine the variables on a form via a combination of Temporal and Conceptual considerations (see example image):
- Temporal - What variables that are collected together at specific time points? The data definition should note the variables that may be exceptions (e.g., labs values that are rarely ordered)
- Conceptual - What variables belong to a given content domain (e.g., surgical vs. imaging variables)? As a rule of thumb, forms should be broken down no further than about 5 variables (e.g., separating "Surgical Characteristics" into "Intraoperative" vs. "Perioperative" Characteristics)
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