Table 4 Examples of harmonization issues identified in the case report form analysis

Data Categorization

“Risk Factors” could be presented as “Pre-Existing Conditions”, “Exposures”, both, and neither.

Data Structure/Format

“03/04/2021” date; unclear whether “3rd of April” or “4th of March”.

Data Type

Fever = “TRUE” or “FALSE” (i.e., ☐ )

Fever = ≥ 38 °C

Fever = 102.5 °F

Data Granularity

The terms “cough”, “dry cough”, “productive cough”, or “new onset cough” are used in different forms. When combining data, treating all these terms as synonyms can result in the loss of pathological information.

Semantic Ambiguity

Does “Isolation” mean “Self-Isolation”, “Home Isolation”, and/or “Hospital Isolation”? Is “Negative Pressure” applicable?

Disparate Questions

Not all forms request Indigenous identification data. Engagement with First Nations health authorities inconsistent.