How to Improve Data Collection in Clinical Research

Clinical research involves a lot of data collection and if not well-handled, it can lead to inaccurate results. That’s why you must exercise caution and efficiency in data collection and recording. Otherwise, samples might be contaminated and the results will be skewed or invalidated.

The data collection system you have been using may be good and working well, but it may need to change with time. For this reason, you should constantly find ways to improve methods. With that in mind, here are seven ways to improve data collection in clinical research:

1. Educate Staff on How to Use CRFs

With technological advancement, improving data collection for your clinical research is easy. You can do this by using a  Case Report Form (CRF), either printed, optical, or electronic, to record all the information to be reported to sponsors and stakeholders during each trial phase.There are traditional and digital CRFs. Digital CRFs or electronic CRFs (eCRFs) use cloud-based storage systems like Electronic Data Capture (EDC). These digital platforms are cost-effective and safer because data are stored in secure cloud platforms.

On top of this, cloud solutions simplify training since providers help you set up and walk you through the platform. Moreover, they’re user-friendly, cutting the learning curve significantly. In this sense, your team will learn faster and get help and support. There are also restrictions on those who can access the data collected from patients, ensuring the data is secured and protected. Furthermore, eCRFs have well-designed forms to enable effective submission, thereby:

 Avoiding duplication
 Making it easier for the patient to fill in the information
 Ensuring precise data entry

2. Train Staff to Be Sensitive About Culture, Gender, and Other Social Factors

While gathering data, you want to make sure you don’t offend your subjects as you ask about their ethnicity, race,  language, gender, and other personal and sensitive details. If your research requires gathering sensitive information, the  best thing to do is train your data collection staff on how to phrase questions in a non-offending manner.

If the respondents of the research are more comfortable speaking their language, it’s best to employ an interpreter who  can help communicate with them. This can elicit more accurate information from your respondents since they can  express themselves without any language barrier.

3. Develop Written Questionnaires

Collecting data through questionnaires is another effective way to acquire accurate information because you get it from the patient in writing. It also simplifies the need to talk to the patients all over again. They can fill in the information on how they’re feeling. For example, they can specify whether the clinical drug is making them feel unexpected side effects.
Written questionnaires may also work better for respondents who are introverted and those who have social anxiety. These types of respondents might be uncomfortable with face-to-face conversations, so it’s better to let them express their thoughts through a written questionnaire.

4. Develop a Checklist

A checklist primarily guides you to ensure you don’t miss any information or crucial step during each clinical trial phase . A checklist also ensures you carry the requisite data collection tools when meeting test subjects.

In addition, make sure to create a unique checklist for each staff member who carries different duties and responsibilities. This way, they can be guided to the proper procedures that they must follow during data collection and other research processes.

5. Evaluate Current Data Collection Processes

You can analyze your current data collection process and see if there are areas that need improvement. Also, since technology evolves rapidly, you must review your collection methods, such as biometrics data collection , to ensure they’re secure and up-to-date.

6. Increase Hardware Capacity

Data collection and storage are inseparable. Once you obtain information from respondents and test subjects, you must record and store them appropriately. If you are dealing with heavy data, your computer system may lag significantly if the specs are low. You may lose critical data in this process. So, upgrade your hardware and software systems to make data entry processes more efficient.

7. Work Out All Details

To make sure the data collection process runs smoothly, you must work out all the details. If you have questionnaires for subjects to fill in, make sure there is a valid answer for every field. You can fill in samples to ensure every question makes sense. Aside from that, specify the ideal data collection times, how to communicate with respondents and every other bit of information needed to make the process seamless.

Conclusion

Clinical research deals with technical and sensitive information. Thus, it requires a high level of professionalism when collecting data. For the best results, use technologically advanced methods. It prevents data loss and ensures the information obtained is stored safely.