Methods of Data Collection Flashcards
What can a questionnaire be used to measure?
Attitudes, attributes, behaviour, beliefs, experiences and knowledge
What methods of data collection are often used in clinical trials?
Diaries, schedules, CRFs and questionnaires
What is a schedule?
A term for a data collection instrument used extensively in qualitative research
What two settings are most appropriate for schedule use?
Observational studies and in-depth interviews
What questions is it important to ask yourself when determining data collection methods?
Will you use data that have already been collected or data that you have to collect specifically for the trial?
Will the data be collected directly from the patient asking the participant about his/her experiences?
Will you collect laboratory data?
Will you collect data from participants’ medical records?
When during the trial will you collect these data?
Where will the participants be while you are collecting the data - in hospital, at home, in a GP surgery?
What is aggregate data?
Data collected from multiple sources/measures or individuals (both numerical or not) and compiled into data summaries for the purposes of reporting or statistical analysis
What are the advantages of aggregate data?
Cheaper than de novo collection
Saves bothering participants and their families
Recall bias due to being in a trial is eliminated
What is dis-aggregated data?
- Collected from multiple sources/measures or individuals
- Compiled into aggregate data summaries
- Broken down into component parts
What are the advantages of using registries in data collection>?
Likely to be complete and accurate
People who have moved out of a trials catchment may be traced using registries
What sort of registries exist in the UK?
NHSCR (Central Register) - patients can be flagged on a charged basis (expensive) and any details of death or movements will be reported to the trial centre
What approval must be sought before access to NHSCR databases are granted?
Approval from the ONS
What steps go into developing a data collection instrument?
Identify the items you require (see section 3 on collecting data that are relevant to the study hypothesis).
Check these against a list of goals and remove any that don’t directly help to achieve the goals.
Pilot the data collection instrument.
Alter it as necessary.
Repeat steps 3 and 4.
List some advantages of EDC
Saves paper (cumbersome and environmetally unfriendly)
Consistent data records
Saves time in transcribing
Storage is easier
Data collection can be more interactive and fun
List some disadvantages of electronic data collection
Vulnerable to cyber theft
Staff training required
High initial investment cost
Relies of software and internet
What are some advantagers of using a paper data collection system?
No training required Permanent record Easy to add additional notes Doesnt rely on softtware or internet Less costly
