What is it? Why is it important?

The SP-INV carries the main responsibility for the study and ensures the ongoing:

 

The SP-INV:

  • Defines what study variables are needed to answer the study question(s)
  • Selects a CDMS able to fulfil regulatory requirements
  • Ensures the proper set-up of the study database, including the validation of the CRF (be it electronic or in paper form)
  • Ensures data collection and processing follow regulatory requirements
  • Regulates data access during and after study completion
  • Defines database locks (interim and final) and exports (e.g. interim- or final statistical analysis)
  • Defines the DMP that outlines how data will be collected, documented, stored, shared, and preserved

 

The SP-INV can decide to delegate tasks to relevant and qualified staff and experts (e.g. partners). Still, the main and final responsibility remains with the SP-INV

What do I need to do?

As a SP-INV:

  • Select a CDMS applicable to your study and able to fulfil regulatory requirements (e.g. Swiss law)
  • Select or hire qualified staff that can support you during the planning and set-up of the CDMS (e.g. data manager)
  • Evaluate whether to outsource data management tasks to professional service providers (e.g. CTU)
  • Remember to include data management tasks and equipment in your study budget (e.g. qualified staff such as data manager, statistician, CDMS installation, validation and yearly licencing costs, server and infrastructure maintenance, study database (eCRF) setup-costs, amendments during study conduct)
  • Define and describe the management of your study data in the study protocol and DMP

 

Regarding publication rights, the SP-INV might negotiate upfront with stakeholders:

  • Their involvement (e.g. collection of special data) and thus their rank into publication
  • Publication of partial/site data from participating study sites

Where can I get help?

Your local CTU can support you with experienced staff regarding this topic

External Links

Swissethics – see in particular

  • Topics/Other Topics/Professional qualifications of the investigator and project leaders of research projects

References

ICH GCP E6(R2) – see in particular guidelines

  • 1.53 Sponsor definition
  • 5.0 Sponsor responsibilities
  • 5.5 Trial management, data handling, and record-keeping

ISO 14155 Medical Devices - see in particular section

  • 8 Sponsor responsibilities (access liable to costs)

Swiss Law

ClinO – see in particular article

  • Art. 6 Professional qualifications

HRO – see in particular article

  • Art. 4 Professional qualifications
Abbreviations
  • ClinO – Clinical Trials Ordinance
  • CDMS – Clinical Data Management System
  • CRF – Case Report Form
  • CTU – Clinical Trials Unit
  • DMP – Data Management Plan
  • DM – Data Management
  • HRO – Human Research Ordinance
  • ICH GCP – International Council for Harmonisation - Good Clinical Practice
  • ISO – International Organization for Standardization
  • SP-INV – Sponsor-Investigator
Concept ↦ Data Management ↦ Stakeholders ↦ Sponsor-Investigator
Study
Basic

Provides some background knowledge and basic definitions

Basic Monitoring
Basic Drug or Device
Concept

Starts with a study idea

Ends after having assessed and evaluated study feasibility

Concept Statistic Methodology
Concept Drug or Device
Development

Starts with confidence that the study is feasible

Ends after having received ethics and regulatory approval

Development Drug or Device
Set-Up

Starts with ethics and regulatory approval

Ends after successful study initiation

Set-Up Ethics and Laws
Set-Up Statistic Methodology
Set-Up Quality and Risk
Set-Up Drug or Device
Conduct

Starts with participant recruitment

Ends after the last participant has completed the last study visit

Conduct Statistic Methodology
Conduct Drug or Device
Completion

Starts with last study visit completed

Ends after study publication and archiving

Completion Statistic Methodology
Completion Drug or Device
Current Path (click to copy): Concept ↦ Data Management ↦ Stakeholders ↦ Sponsor-Investigator

Please note: the Easy-GCS tool is currently under construction.