Conduct↦Data Management↦Data Entry↦Requirement
What is it? Why is it important?
Data entry starts after the study has been approved by EC and if applicable RA (e.g. Swissmedic) and the Site Initiation Visit (SIV) has been successfully completed.
Upon SIV:
- The study database (eCRF) is ready for data entry, with staff given personalised access rights (documented in a database access-log)
- Required study material has been delivered to the study site, such as:
- Drug or device under investigation (IMP/IMD)
- Laboratory equipment (e.g. serum tubes, analytical device)
- Study documents (e.g. study protocol, PIS, ICF, patient questionnaires, ISF essential documents, study SOPs, WIs, logs)
- Staff is trained on study tasks and individual responsibilities
Data collection can only begin once participants have been adequately informed about the study, and have agreed to participate by signing the study ICF.
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Type of study data to be collected must be based on:
- Specifications given in the study protocol, including Source-Data specifications, such as
- Patient Files
- Laboratory results
- Medical examinations
- Safety data
- Data provided by participants themselves (e.g. diary, questionnaire)
What do I need to do?
As a SP-INV and Site-INV, ensure staff is trained on the collection and handling of study data, such as how to:
- Retrieve source-data
- Document corrections on pCRF
- Make certified copies
- Manage and file study documents
- Respect participant confidentiality:
- Use of participant code instead of personal identifiers
- Ensure restricted access to study hard copies (e.g. participant study folders and information)
As a SP-INV abstain from looking at or analysing the data during study conduct, as it carries a risk of corrupting the study. An exception is a planned interim analysis which is based on specifications given in the study protocol.
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When making corrections on pCRF, the following guidelines must be followed:
- Only study staff with documentation responsibilities can make corrections on study documents
- Original entries must remain legible
- Corrections are dated and initialled so as to trace any correction in case further clarifications are needed
In the electronic database (eCRF), entries and changes to data are automatically documented in the audit-trail of the system.
Where can I get help?
Your local CTU↧ can support you with experienced staff regarding this topic
Basel, Departement Klinische Forschung, CTU, dkf.unibas.ch
Lugano, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU-EOC, www.ctueoc.ch
Bern, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU, www.ctu.unibe.ch
Geneva, Clinical Research Center, CRC, crc.hug.ch
Lausanne, Clinical Research Center, CRC, www.chuv.ch
St. Gallen, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU, www.kssg.ch
Zürich, Clinical Trials Center, CTC, www.usz.ch
References
ICH GCP E6(R2) – see in particular guidelines
- 5.5. Trial Management, data handling, and record-keeping