Choosing What Kind of Data to Import

Uploading Data in Ripple: Global vs. Study-Specific Data

Ripple allows users to upload two types of data: Global Data and Study-Specific Data. Understanding the difference ensures accurate data management across studies.

Global Data

Definition:
Global data includes participant information that is not tied to a specific study. It remains consistent across all studies and is visible in the Global Registry.

Examples of Global Data:

• Participant Identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth, address)
• Global Custom Variables (marked as "global" during setup)
• Contact details
• Demographic information

Key Features:
✅ Follows participants across all studies they are enrolled in.
✅ Visible in the Global Registry for comprehensive participant tracking.
✅ Can be used across multiple studies without duplication.

Study-Specific Data

Definition:
Study-specific data is unique to a particular study and does not transfer between studies or appear in the Global Registry.

Examples of Study-Specific Data:

• CustomID (unique participant identifier for a specific study)
• Event Dates (e.g., visit dates, follow-up schedules)
• Study Statuses (e.g., enrolled, withdrawn, completed)
• Recruitment Sources, Sites, and Strategies

Key Features:
✅ Restricted to a single study—data does not transfer between studies.
✅ Not visible in the Global Registry—only accessible within the assigned study.
✅ Customizable per study, allowing tailored data collection.

Choosing Between Global and Study-Specific Data

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By correctly designating Global vs. Study-Specific Data, Ripple users can efficiently manage participant information while maintaining data accuracy and study-specific integrity.

When Should I Upload Global Data?

Global data should be uploaded directly into the Registry when:

✅ You are importing a large database of participants who may later be assigned to different studies.
✅ You have participants not yet enrolled in a study but may be recruited in the future.
✅ You want participant information, such as names, contact details, and global custom variables, to be accessible across multiple studies.

Example Use Case:

• You have a database of 5,000 potential participants and want to add them to Ripple before assigning them to specific studies later.
• Uploading this list directly into the Registry ensures that they are available for future study recruitment without duplicating participant records.

When Should I Upload Study-Specific Data?

Study-specific data should be uploaded directly into a study when:

✅ You are importing participants directly into an active study.
✅ You need to include study-specific details such as:

• Recruitment source, site, or strategy
• Event data (e.g., visit dates, milestones)
• Study-specific participant identifiers (CustomID, statuses, etc.)
  ✅ You want participants to appear in the Registry, but their study-specific details will only be accessible within that study.

Example Use Case:

• You are conducting a clinical study and want to import participants with their study-specific recruitment source, assigned site, and enrollment status.
• Uploading directly into the study ensures their study-related details remain separate from general participant information in the Registry.

Key Considerations

• All study-imported participants will also be available in the Registry.
• Study-specific event data and custom variables (unless marked as global) will not be visible in the Registry.
• Still unsure? Contact Ripple’s support team for guidance on the best data migration strategy for your needs.

By following these best practices, you can streamline participant management and prevent data duplication while keeping study records organized.