Choosing What Kind of Data to Import

Ripple allows you to upload two types of data: global data and study-specific data.

Global data refers to participant information that is not unique to any specific study. Examples of global data include names, dates of birth, addresses, and any custom variable that you labeled as “global.” Global data will follow the participant to all studies and will be visible in the global registry.

In contrast, study-specific data includes extra study-specific types of data fields, including customID, event dates, statuses, and recruitment sources, sites, and strategies. Study-specific data will not follow the participant to other studies and will not be visible in the global registry.

When Should I Upload Global Data?

Ripple allows you to upload global data directly into the Registry without uploading study-specific data. This would be useful if you are uploading a large number of participants that may be part of multiple studies or lists of participants who are not yet part of any studies. For example, you may be uploading a database of 5,000 participants from which you will be recruiting later for specific studies. These participants will be uploaded directly into the Registry, and not a specific study in Ripple.

When Should I Upload Study-Specific Data?

Ripple also allows you to upload study-specific data for when you want to import participants directly into one of your studies. If you want to import study-specific information including the recruitment source, site, or strategy, event data, information about their status, or study-specific identifiers, you will want to import directly into a study. 

Any participants imported directly into a study will also be available in the Registry. However, study-specific events, and custom variables that are not set as global, will not be available for viewing in the Registry.