Custom Data Types
Overview
Custom Data Types (CDTs) are configurable data structures in Welkin that allow organizations to capture and store structured patient information beyond the default fields. CDTs are the foundation for clinical data collection – from vitals and lab values to custom assessments and medication records.
What CDTs Enable
With CDTs, your organization can:
Define custom fields with specific data types (text, number, date, boolean, dropdown, etc.)
Create repeatable data entries (e.g., multiple blood pressure readings over time)
Build structured data panels within patient profiles
Power charts, graphs, and data views based on CDT values
Trigger automations based on CDT field values
Export CDT data via API or reporting tools
CDT Structure
A CDT consists of:
Name – the CDT's identifier (used in conditions and automations)
Display Name – the label shown to care team members in the Care Portal
Fields – the individual data points within the CDT (e.g., systolic, diastolic, recorded date for a blood pressure CDT)
Record settings – whether the CDT stores a single record per patient or multiple records over time
Common CDT Use Cases
Vitals – height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, heart rate
Lab results – HbA1c, cholesterol, creatinine, with reference ranges
Medications – drug name, dose, frequency, prescriber, start/stop dates
Risk scores – calculated scores from assessments stored as structured data
Social determinants – housing status, food security, transportation access
Custom intake data – any patient attribute not covered by the default data model
Creating and Managing CDTs
CDTs are created and configured in the CDT Designer within the Welkin Designer portal. For step-by-step instructions, see CDT Designer.
For field type reference, see Custom Field Types.
Related Topics
CDT Designer – step-by-step CDT configuration
CDT Configuration – advanced CDT settings
Custom Field Types – field type reference
Create Formulaic CDT Fields – calculated fields
Patient Data View – viewing CDT data in Care
Data Views – Care-side data visualization
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