What is it? Why is it important?

Data monitoring is the process of checking that data entered into BIMS (e.g. the biobanking database):

  • Is complete (e.g. all fields entered)
  • Is consistent (e.g. all required information on Biological Material (BM) characteristics is registered)
  • Is coherent (e.g. no false or missing entries)
  • Is correct when migrated from an external data source (e.g. data imports are correct and validated)

 

Data monitoring can include:

  • Full-checks, where all entered data is screened
  • Spot-checks, where only selected data is verified
  • Automated checks, where BIMS uses entry checks with error messages if entries do not comply with requirements (e.g. the use of software solutions that allow for the computation of automate checks)

More

Full-checks can be both expensive and time consuming. Spot-checks should be risk-based, by focusing on data entries with a high error risks (e.g. manual entries, data migrations or imports).

 

Automated checks are very useful to improve data quality, but require IT expertise and programmable software solutions for its implementation.

What do I need to do?

For your BIMS:

  • Plan data monitoring procedures prior to setting up your database. Focus on:
    • Data with an increased risk of errors, and that require increased monitoring (e.g. based on risk assessment)
    • The use of data entry acceptance criteria to reduce data entry errors
    • The frequency of data monitoring (e.g. once a month, quarterly, or based on data volume). Allow frequency to be adapted based on the frequency of recorded errors (e.g. in the non-conformities log)
  • Define how to document data monitoring in BIMS (e.g. monitoring report, non-conformity report, Risk Assessment Form (RAF)). Include follow-up procedures such as the implementation of risk control-measures
  • Define responsibilities (e.g. who enters and/or monitors the data, who approves/implements potential improvement measures)
  • Describe your data monitoring strategy in a SOP or monitoring plan and train staff

More

Monitoring should include the interface between BIMS and storage of BM, such as:

  • Correct location: BM documented in BIMS correlate with their physical location in the biobank (e.g. in freezers, shelf and box)
  • Correct inventory: BIMS correlates with available-, analyzed-, and destroyed BM, including biobank storage free space

 

Example

Interface monitoring between BIMS entries and BM storage in biobank repositories:

  • Randomly select a set of samples in BIMS (e.g. 5 samples frozen and stored in a -80°C freezer)
  • Extract from BIMS their storage location in the -80°C freezer
  • Physically open the -80°C freezer and locate samples based on data provided by BIMS
  • Document any mismatch as a non-conformity and perform a root cause analysis
  • As applicable, implement improvement measures (e.g. staff trainings)

Where can I get help?

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

The Swiss Biobanking Platform (SBP) can provide you with support on this topic.

SBP Documents

SOPs, Forms and Templates – see in particular

  • Quality control strategy implementation SOP
  • Quality control results
  • Sample tracking form
  • Non-conformity log
  • Non-conformity report

Documents

Abbreviations
  • BIMS – Biobank Information Management System
  • BM – Biological Material
  • CTU – Clinical Trials Unit
  • RAF – Risk Assessment Form
  • SBP – Swiss Biobanking Platform
  • SOP – Standard Operating Procedures
Development ↦ Biobanking ↦ Quality Control ↦ Data Monitoring
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): Development ↦ Biobanking ↦ Quality Control ↦ Data Monitoring

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