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Data Model Meeting Decision (2026-06-03): Update regex in "geographic_location" field #57

Description

@hknahal

Background

CPHI programs only collect the first 3 characters of a postal code, not the full 6 characters as requested in the PCGL data model. Other projects such as MOHCCN do not collect this information at all, creating a cap between the data model requirement and available project data.

Decision:

Discussions with Claude and Amirah from WG3 where it was agreed to update the regex for geographic_location to accept 3-digit postal code if 6-digits are not available. If projects do not have this information at all (ie. MOHCCN), then they will need to submit one of the “missing” terms (which already exist for “geographic_location” field).

Summary of agreed-upon updates to Sociodemographic fields based on discussions with Claude and Amirah from WG3 to accommodate CPHI projects and MOHCCN with missing/incomplete required clinical data:

Tasks:

  • Update existing regular expression to accept either 3-character or 6-character postal codes:
Existing Regex Update regex to
^[A-Za-z][0-9][A-Za-z][0-9][A-Za-z][0-9]$ ^[A-Za-z][0-9][A-Za-z]([0-9][A-Za-z][0-9])?$
  • Update field description to indicate that 6-character postal code is preferred. However, if only the first 3 characters have been collected and the full 6 characters are not available, then data submitters (ie. from CPHI projects) have the option to submit just the first 3 characters: A participant's postal code at their current address of residence. Where available, submit the full 6 character postal code. If the full postal is unavailable, submit the first 3 characters of the postal code.

Rationale:

This will allow CPHI projects to move forward with their sociodemographic clinical submission since they only collect the first 3 characters of the postal code.

Meeting Notes:

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