Skip to main content

Table 5 “What are the key features of an optimal data collection method in a clinical study?”

From: Comparison of two data collection processes in clinical studies: electronic and paper case report forms

 

Main features answered

Details

Investigators

Quality interface (x23)

Fast, simple, without bugs and blocking, with flexible data entry

Reliable data collection, with few queries (x8)

Alarms and mandatory fields

Electronic format (x3)

Allowing data sharing without data recapture and duplication

CRAs

Quality interface (x24)

Fast, simple, without bugs and blocking, with flexible data entry

Accessible form (x7)

 

Efficient monitoring (x5)

Real-time queries and remote consultations

Quality of form (x5)

No free answers, short and clear questions and few variables

Immediate controls during data entry (x3)

 

Motivation and availability of investigators (x3)

 

DMs

Reliable data collection, few queries (x17)

Controls and constraints during data entry and queries emailed automatically

Quality of database, easy to operate (x5)

 

Quality of form (x5)

Real-time queries and remote consultations

Quality of form (x5)

No free answers, short and clear questions and few variables

Quality interface (x3)

Ergonomic

Maximum access fees and free action for data managers (x2)

 
  1. Responses from investigators, clinical research associates and data managers.
  2. CRA: clinical research associate, DM: data manager.