5 ． Taking Advantage of the Global RWD Standard ―OMOP CDM and OHDSI―

Abstract

Real World Data (RWD) has various types of data sources, but each source has a different format and terminology code, which makes analysis process cumbersome and repetitive. The OMOP Common Data Model (CDM) is an open standard for analysis of RWD on a global scale, and the OHDSI community is responsible for its maintenance and development. What sets the OMOP CDM apart from other data standards is the way in which it has created a structure for integrating and handling terminology globally, and the way in which analysis is conducted without exposing individual patient information outside. Such features facilitate international collaboration. The method of not releasing patient data outside is expected to be widely utilized in future because it is highly compatible with Japan's pseudonymously processed information (PPI) based on the personal information protection act, in which PPI data cannot be provided to any third party but the purpose of use can be easily changed.
There are many advantages not only for international collaboration, but also for domestic collaboration or in-house use. Epidemiologists and data scientists will be able to handle data in the same model they are accustomed to both domestically and internationally. That will be of great benefit to students, personnel, and their organizations especially when they study abroad, return home, or transfer internationally.
Globally, collaborators from more than 70 countries are working on this project. Data on more than 800 million people after eliminating estimated duplicates, or 10％ of the world's population, has been converted to the OMOP CDM. More than 250 related published articles have been registered with PubMed. On the other hand in Japan, there are many issues to be solved, such as support system and terminology mapping. To catch up with international levels, strong cooperation from a wide range of fields is needed.