An EDC (Electronic Data Collection) software stores patient data gathered in clinical trials. First, the data is recorded on paper, which is then recorded into the system and saved in an eCRF (electronic Case Report Form). Numerous clinical trials are moving to EDC software, replacing paper records with electronic records. However, how do you get the most out of your electronic data capture software?
Sites, CROs (Contract Research Organizations), and sponsors are adopting EDC systems to conduct simple and intricate trials in every phase of research. However, not every electronic data capture software for clinical trials has the same key feature or quality. Here, we discuss some important aspects of your EDC system to keep in mind as you choose a provider:
Data cleanliness and quality management
Improvements in data quality are one of the main benefits of switching to an EDC system. Poor data does nothing but waste time. Several errors mean it takes longer to complete data analysis. Plus, you’ll have to discard any information that has errors. As you assess EDC tools, ensure they have the right data management capabilities.
Data quality is a multidimensional concept comprising the following important dimensions: consistency, validity, accuracy, timeliness, uniqueness, and completeness. To ensure the results are valid, ensuring data quality in RCTs (randomized controlled trials) is paramount.
A system that only checks for completeness won’t be as useful as a tool that also filters results for valid or inaccurate numbers. To ensure the data is gathered on time, these systems also need to work swiftly.
Easy data entry
The ease with which information can be gathered by sponsors and CROs is one of the main benefits of EDC tools. Since the information is instantly cleaned and added to a bigger database, research organizations may acquire more data and gather it faster. This is a huge benefit over past clinical data management systems.
During times when paper-based data collection was common, how the data was entered into electronic format, usually in a CDMS (Clinical Database Management System), wasn’t the most important consideration.
The CDMS partially automated cleaning and coding, integration of external data, and the workflow of data entry, and offered automation for tracking data entry, identifying discrepancies, and resolving the discrepancy. While these advances were advantageous, their benefits were mainly limited to in-house data management groups in sponsor organizations or CROs.
By the time a human researcher reviews the data, it has likely gone through multiple logic steps and checks with the help of EDC technology to ensure it’s precise and within acceptable bounds.
ClinicalPURSUIT’s intelligent electronic data capture system helps you rapidly set up and deploy single and multicenter studies in weeks
At ClinicalPURSUIT, our clinical trial data management services provide a streamlined workflow and advanced user management for effective data capture for all your clinical trials.
Reach out to us now for more information on our EDC system for patient studies!
