Clinical Data Research Network (CDRN) – A network involving two or more healthcare systems, such as hospitals, health plans, or practice-based networks that securely collect health information during the routine course of patient care (e.g. LaCDRN).

Common Data Model (CDM) – Standardizes the definition, format and content of data across participating data partners so that standardized applications, tools and methods can be applied.

Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) – A type of research that compares different treatments, tests and procedures to determine which work best for which patients.