ACC/AHA 2007 Methodology for the Development of Clinical Data Standards - A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Data Standards

A report of the American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Task Force on Clinical Data Standards in the country is presented. The ACC/AHA Task Force has undertaken the task to develop and publish clinical data standards and corresponding definitions that can be used in the measurement of patient clinical management, outcomes, and for research and epidemiological assessments. A methodology has been created that describes the formation of a diverse committee, guidelines for selecting and defining the standards, achieving consensus in the development of the standards, peer view, and publication, including periodic updates. Some of the goals of such an effort of the ACC/AHA Task Force include facilitating clinical research by driving standards for information gathered in clinical trials and improving cross-comparison of results and clinical outcomes between different trials and registries.