A Center Experience with Common Data Elements in Chronic Illness Self-Management Research

In recent decades, the use of common data elements has expanded across the health disciplines. This has included growth within programs of research focused on self-management and family nursing. Family nursing and self-management science may be expanded with the increased use of common concepts, measures, and theoretical frameworks. This article describes the experience of exploring the use of common data elements and identifying shared concepts from the perspective of one National Institute of Nursing Research funded Exploratory Center in Self-Management. Guidance offered by the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory is discussed, and implications for family research are presented.