After CRFs reviewed by sponsor/CRO, further verification or clarification may be required
Data queries generated by sponsor/CRO for resolution by site
Formally authorized staff for query responses
Completed queries must be signed by investigator or authorized staff
Copy of completed data queries filed at site
Query records in sponsor’s permanent database
Data Query Flow
Sponsor/CRO visually reviews CRF data/logic checks
Sponsor/CRO generates data query form & sends
Site responds to query & returns
Sponsor/CRO revises database entry as necessary
General Principles System Definitions
Protocol should identify when computerized system is used
Documentation should identify hardware & software used
General Principles Source Documents
Retain to reconstruct & evaluate trial
Investigators retain originals or certified copies
When original observations entered directly, e-record is “source”
General Principles Data Accountability
All info for each subject attributable to that subject
Record changes shouldn’t obscure original info
Record changes should be indicated & means provided to check prior entry
Necessity of audit trail – who changed & why?
General Principles Thoughtful System Design
Matches data capture requirements (kg. vs. lb.)
Precludes errors in modification, maintenance, archiving, retrieval or transmission
Ensures record keeping & retention are in-line with paper systems
General Principles Security Measures
To prevent unauthorized access to data
To prevent unauthorized access to computerized system
General Principles FDA Records Access
May inspect all records intended to support submissions
e-Data Flow at Site
Site sees subject, records exam data on source doc
Site inputs data to computer & “commits”
e-Data Flow at Sponsor/CRO
Study monitor visually reviews “committed” data vs. “source”
Sponsor/CRO reviews CRF data/applies logic checks
Additional Site Qualification Questions
Previous experience/comfort level with e-data collection activities?
Computer/high-speed internet accessibility?
On-site technical support capabilities?
Additional Site Management Planning
Site & subject training and documentation for e-data capture
Ongoing monitor communication & support
Technical “Help Desk”
E-signature management
Add’l Systems Design Issues Data Entry
Prompts for clinical terms & measurements
Prompts for out of range data
Electronic diaries & e-CRFs designed to allow annotations
Features to facilitate data review & identify changes
Sponsor access to data during study
Add’l Systems Design Issues Electronic Signatures
Individual enters signature at start of data entry session
Attributability of signatures
Passwords changed at established intervals
Add’l Systems Design Issues Date/Time Stamps
Controls to ensure correct system date/time (yr, mo, day, hr, min)
Limited ability (with documentation) to change date/time
Add’l Systems Design Issues Controls
SOPs to maintain system integrity in light of changes
Revalidation for changes exceeding operation limits/design specs
Documentation of software versions
SOPs for contingency plans
SOPs for backup & recovery of e-records
Logs to assess nature & scope of data loss in the event of system failure
Secure storage of backup records
Consider Speed of Data Capture vs. Costs Incurred
Clinical Project Planning
Skilled, regularly available technical support
Detailed hazard/failure analyses
Skilled, regularly available monitoring/training support
Increased budget for site participation
Adequate schedule “padding” for things to go wrong
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