Basic↦Data Management↦Study Database↦Study Data
What is it? Why is it important?
Study data is any information that is collected or generated during study conduct and needed to answer its primary- and secondary research questions (i.e. study outcome / endpoint). Any data collected during the study must be specified and documented in the study protocol.
For the statistical analysis, only digital data is used. Therefore, and prior to the analysis, collected non-digital data formats are collected and translated into some type of coded format (e.g. visual imaging, laboratory notebooks, participant diaries, interviews)
Typical data collected in a study are:
- Descriptive data (e.g. age, gender, demographics)
- Study relevant data needed to answer the research question(s) (e.g. disease characteristics, intervention efficacy, observational data)
- Safety data, with the collection of adverse events experienced by study participants during study conduct
What do I need to do?
As a SP-INV, list data needed to answer the research question(s) in the study protocol, CRF, Data management plan (DMP), and Statistical analysis plan. Submit all planed data, to be collected during study conduct, to theEthics Committee for approval
The excessive collection and documentation of data not needed to answer the study question(s)
- Is unethical, as it adds unnecessary burden to study participants
- Will increase the required resources needed to perform the study (e.g. infrastructure, study staff, handling and analysis of biological samples)
- Will increase the cost of the study and inflate the study budget
Prior to collecting any data from study participants requires that they consent (ICF) to study participation. Health related data is considered sensitive data. Thus, special protection. handling and management are required to ensure the identity of study participants.
Where can I get help?
Your local Research Support Centre↧ can assist you with experienced staff regarding this topic
Basel, Departement Klinische Forschung (DKF), dkf.unibas.ch
Lugano, Clinical Trials Unit (CTU-EOC), ctueoc.ch
Bern, Department of Clinical Research (DCR), dcr.unibe.ch
Geneva, Clinical Research Center (CRC), crc.hug.ch
Lausanne, Clinical Research Center (CRC), chuv.ch
St. Gallen, Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), h-och.ch
Zürich, Clinical Trials Center (CTC), usz.ch
References
ICH GCP E6(R3) – see in particular principle and guidelines
- Principle 1: Requirements for study conduct
- 2.12 Records
- 3.1 Trial Design
- 3.16.1 (d) Fit for purpose data capture
- 4.2.1 Data capture
- B.14 Data Handling and Record Keeping
- C.3 Essentiality of Trial Records
ICH E8(R1) – see in particular guideline
- 5.7 Study Data
- 6.1.3 Data Management
Swiss Law
ClinO – see in particular article
- Art. 4 Scientific quality