[[RECODE-DCM]] (REsearch Objectives and Common Data Elements for [[Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy]]) aims to improve efficient use of [[health care]] [[resource]]s within the field of [[Degenerative
Cervical Myelopathy]] (DCM) by using a multi-[[stakeholder]] partnership to define the DCM research priorities, to develop a minimum dataset for DCM clinical studies, and confirm a definition of DCM.

This requires a multi-stakeholder partnership and multiple parallel consensus development processes. It will be conducted via 4 phases, adhering to the guidance set out by the [[COMET]] (Core Outcomes in Effectiveness Trials) and JLA ([[James Lind Alliance]]) initiatives. Phase 1 will consist of preliminary work to inform online [[Delphi process]]es (Phase 2) and a [[consensus]] [[meeting]] (Phase 3). Following the findings of the consensus meeting, a synthesis of relevant measurement instruments will be compiled and assessed as per the [[COSMIN]] (Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments) criteria, to allow recommendations to be made on how to measure agreed data points. Phase 4 will monitor and promote the use of eventual recommendations.

RECODE-DCM sets out to establish for the first time an index term, minimum dataset, and research priorities together. The aim is to reduce [[waste]] of health care resources in the future by using patient priorities to inform the scope of future DCM research activities. The consistent use of a standard dataset in DCM clinical studies, audit, and clinical surveillance will facilitate pooled analysis of future data and, ultimately, a deeper understanding of DCM
((Davies BM, Khan DZ, Mowforth OD, McNair AGK, Gronlund T, Kolias AG, Tetreault 
L, Starkey ML, Sadler I, Sarewitz E, Houlton D, Carter J, Kalsi-Ryan S, Aarabi B,
Kwon BK, Kurpad SN, Harrop J, Wilson JR, Grossman R, Curt A, Fehlings MG, Kotter 
MRN. RE-CODE DCM (REsearch Objectives and Common Data Elements for Degenerative
Cervical Myelopathy): A Consensus Process to Improve Research Efficiency in DCM, 
Through Establishment of a Standardized Dataset for Clinical Research and the
Definition of the Research Priorities. Global Spine J. 2019 May;9(1
Suppl):65S-76S. doi: 10.1177/2192568219832855. Epub 2019 May 8. PubMed PMID:
31157148; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6512197.
)).