Data entry
This section contains the following:
Introduction
Data entry is the process of converting information, whatever the
original source, to an electronically stored form so that it can be
managed and analysed with the help of computers. The most common
data entry method is the transcription of information from a paper form
(such as a questionnaire) by
manual entry into a file using a computer software package. Data
entry
can be performed by a single person (single data entry) or entered
twice
by different people to check data accuracy (double data entry).
The most appropriate
software
to store and manage data is called a database management
system More recently, modern technology has
permitted
the replacement of the manual data entry phase by a ‘data capture
system’.
In this approach the data is either scanned in electronically or
entered
directly into a computer e.g. use of Personal Digital Assistants or Web.
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Things to consider
- If using remote data capture with web based study portals always
make sure there is a back up system eg. paper copies.
- Make sure to have data back up systems in place eg. computers
should be backed up regularly to the network server, USB memory stick.
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Additional resources
This checklist has been contributed by Barbara Farrell who prepared
it for the third version of the Trial Management Guide
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This checklist has been contributed by Barbara Farrell who prepared
it for the third version of the Trial Management Guide.
Back to top
This checklist has been contributed by Barbara Farrell who prepared
it for the third version of the Trial Management Guide.
Back to top
This checklist has been contributed by Barbara Farrell who prepared
it for the third version of the Trial Management Guide.
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Further reading
Hosking JD, Newhouse MM, Bagniewska A, et al. Data collection and
transcription.
Controlled Clin Trials 1995;16:66S–103S.
Gibson D, Harvey AJ, Everett V, et al. Is double data entry necessary?
The CHART
Trials. Controlled Clin Trials 1994;15:482–488.
Reynolds-Haertle RA, McBride R. Single vs. double data entry in CAST.
Controlled
Clin Trials 1992;13:487–494.
Pocock SJ. Clinical Trials: A Practical Approach. John Wiley and Sons,
Chichester, 1983.
Duley L and Farrell B. Clinical Trials. London: BMJ Books, 2002.
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This page was last updated September 2008.