mCIDE Minimum Common ICU Data Elements
The cornerstone of scientific integrity in critical care data science - standardized variables that enable reproducible, multi-center research
What is mCIDE?
The minimum Common ICU Data Elements (mCIDE) represent a carefully curated set of standardized variables identified by the CLIF consortium as essential for studying critical illness. These elements form the foundation of the CLIF data model, ensuring that data collected across different institutions can be meaningfully compared and analyzed together.
By defining common vocabularies, units of measurement, and permissible values for key clinical variables, mCIDE enables true federated analytics while maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor.
Why mCIDE is Essential
Scientific Integrity
Ensures reproducible research by standardizing how critical variables are defined and measured across all participating sites.
Data Harmonization
Bridges differences in EHR systems and local practices by mapping diverse source data to common standardized categories.
Federated Analytics
Enables meaningful multi-center analyses by ensuring that the same clinical concepts are represented consistently.
Quality Benchmarking
Allows institutions to compare their outcomes and practices against peers using standardized metrics.
Reduced Complexity
Simplifies ETL development by providing clear mappings and standardized vocabularies for common ICU variables.
Accelerated Research
Speeds time from hypothesis to insight by eliminating data wrangling and standardization bottlenecks.
Key mCIDE Categories
Laboratory Values
Standardized lab categories ensure consistent interpretation of critical biomarkers across institutions.
Chemistry
Sodium, Potassium, Creatinine, BUN
Hematology
WBC, Hemoglobin, Platelets
Blood Gas
pH, PaO2, PaCO2, Lactate
Infection
Procalcitonin, CRP
ADT Location Categories
Harmonized location categories enable tracking of patient flow and resource utilization patterns.
Respiratory Support Devices
Standardized device categories critical for ARDS research and ventilator management studies.
Invasive
IMV, Trach Collar
Non-invasive
NIPPV, CPAP
Supplemental O2
High Flow NC, Face Mask, Nasal Cannula
Discharge Categories
Harmonized discharge dispositions enable outcome comparisons and post-ICU trajectory analyses.
Implementing mCIDE
For Data Engineers
- Map local values to mCIDE categories using provided CSV files
- Preserve original values in _name fields
- Use CLIF Lighthouse to validate mappings
For Researchers
- Query using _category fields for standardized analyses
- Reference mCIDE documentation in methods sections
- Contribute new categories through GitHub PRs
mCIDE Resources
GitHub Repository
Access the complete mCIDE specifications, category mappings, and contribute to ongoing development.
Implementation Guide
Step-by-step instructions for mapping your institution's data to mCIDE categories.
Validation Tools
Use CLIF Lighthouse to validate your mCIDE mappings and ensure compliance.
Ready to Implement mCIDE?
Join the growing community of institutions committed to reproducible critical care research