 |
 |
|
| |
We believe that the primary role of Data Management is to define methods and
utilize technology in a way that ensures the highest possible degree of
integrity in our research. A secondary role of Data Management is to ensure
that all methods and practices accelerate the timeline from data collection to
data analysis and publication. Our Data Management teams work in close
collaboration with other researchers from the time of study design through the
analysis phase to ensure that data are collected correctly from the inception
of a research study and to ensure that we are building in the highest degree of
data integrity at every stage (i.e., study design, form design, startup,
recruitment, follow-up, etc.) of the project lifecycle. We work with other
researchers (e.g., investigators, statisticians, etc.) to identify potential
inconsistencies that could generate issues at data collection, during system
implementation, and at time of analysis. Our philosophy is based on the belief
that sound data management methods, practices, and principles are necessary
only when data integrity is important (which is always).
User Education is fundamental...
User Education is fundamental in developing sound data management practices. In
any given research, protocols may be complex, and data management systems and
procedures may be foreign to study’s researchers, coordinators, clinicians, and
administrators. Recognizing that data integrity in research begins with people,
our researchers participate in various degrees of training, dependent on their
role within the research project. Training sessions cover the protocol
specifics, the use of the data entry/management systems, the project website
features, communication facilities, and location of critical documentation.
With user education, and training and certification exercises, we create the
foundation that will lead to consistent data flow and efficient operation of
our research.
|
Standard Reporting & Communication
Efficient and enhanced communication among researchers will lead to greater
data integrity. In any study lifecycle, many aspects of the research will be
refined many times. It is important that critical information regarding
protocol enhancements, data instrument refinements, general news, personnel
changes, current events and schedules, etc. all be disseminated in a timely
manner. Our Data Management team ensures that our researchers invest more time
into their research and less time finding the information they need.
This is accomplished by carefully assessing each project’s requirements and
then implementing communications systems that meet those requirements. Our
reporting and communications systems utilize a combination of technologies that
integrate a variety of automated web-based systems, e-mail notification, and
traditional methods that result in comprehensive, efficient and even redundant
channels of communication.
|
Standard Tools
It had been commonplace, just a decade ago, to implement a single data
entry/management system solution for a research study without due consideration
of important study parameters such as whether a data form instrument is self-
administered (entered by a study participant), physician-rated (entered by a
physician), completed at the bedside or in a participant's home. A mission of
our Data Management team is to continually research, evaluate and integrate
technology that will permit the implementation of solutions that represent the
best match among data entry/management methods, available technology and
requirements at the point of entry. As a result, our
researchers benefit from an array of system implementations that add efficiency
and integrity to data management processes.
|
|
|
|
|
University
of Pittsburgh | Epidemiology
Data Center ©
All Rights Reserved