Moving from Manual Processes to New Research Methodologies
1.8.17
The Era of Data is Here
Medical innovations and technological breakthroughs are attributed, to a large degree, to the accumulation and use of data. As the amount of data and its complexity increase, Spreadsheets begins to exhibit shortcomings. These gaps are filled by Cloud Data Management Systems (CDMA), which bring with them a set of tools that accommodate large data quantities, comply with regulatory constraints and provide useful insight.
Spreadsheets are a great tool for collecting data on patients within the context of clinical research, as well as being familiar and free. But do Spreadsheets truly address the needs of the modern researcher?
When Spreadsheets No Longer Deliver for Research Teams
While Spreadsheets are a great tool for many purposes, they have some significant shortcomings in the clinical research space – particularly when the amount of data collected increases beyond a few hundred records.
Spreadsheets | CDMA |
Two DimensionalHard to view data in depth | Multi-DimensionalAllowing a deep dive into any field |
Non-CollaborativeKeeping a spreadsheet up to date is quite a task… | Team FriendlyDesigned for groups from multiple sites |
No integration | API IntegrationIntegrating with external sources (e.g. EHR) enables quick data collection |
Manual Form BuildingCumbersome paper collection | e-Form BuildingRapid form setup, enabling quick collection of data |
Human NatureTyping errors and inconsistencies are non-predictable and un-preventable | Data Integrity MechanismBuilt-in data validation tools that prevent illegal data entry and inconsistency |
No Security MeasuresPassword protection is the only security measure available on spreadsheets | Enforced Data ProtectionNowadays, systems typically comply with HIPPA, ISO and more, to ensure high level of security measures around your data |
Prerequisite Knowledge for Deep AnalyticsMost spreadsheets have sophisticated but require a deep understanding of the product’s formulas | Intuitive Design for Full IndependenceQueries, filters, and reports are done in a few clicks, needing no technological knowledge |
The shortcomings of spreadsheets cost time and lacks effectiveness. CDMAs, by contrast, are robust solutions that provide researchers with advanced data-entry and data management and insight tools. It is really like comparing a go-kart with no engine to an S-Class Mercedes Benz!
The Right Way to Research
Research teams are aiming to generate high-quality and reliable data from conducting clinical trials. And as the amounts of data we wish to use for clinical research grows every year it becomes even more of a challenge.
In addition, the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) has stated that the future of biomedical research will involve collaborations by many scientists in diverse locations linked through high-speed computer networks that enable submission, analysis, and sharing of data (Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 2009)
So how can you overcome those challenges and make your research the cleanest, most accurate, insightful and collaborative? Moving from manual processes to electronic methods of managing data would be the first step in achieving these goals.
