Electronic Data Capture (EDC)

Using EDC cuts out a number of steps and data processing and brings the digital database closer to the original source data allowing for cleaner data and more accurate results. Specifically:

1. Since the site enters the data directly into the EDC system and fewer transfers of data are required, fewer errors are entered into the database.
2. Instantaneous pop-up queries encourage site staff to make sure the data is entered correctly at the moment it is entered, while the information is still fresh (instead of corrections being based on recalling events from months before).
3. For complicated studies with many adverse events (AEs), medications or laboratory tests this important data can if written on paper pages. The EDC prevents that.
4. The EDC forms are clean, centrally organized and no data gets lost.
5. An audit trail is kept and every change made on the CRF is recorded, along with the reason for the change and who made the change.
6. All data entered is legible! EDC ensures maximum data security as all entries to the EDC system require user name and password.

Enhanced Data Quality:
Using EDC cuts out a number of steps and data processing and brings the digital database closer to the original source data allowing for cleaner data and more accurate results.
Specifically:

1. Since the site enters the data directly into the EDC system and fewer transfers of data are required, fewer errors are entered into the database.
2. Instantaneous pop-up queries encourage site staff to make sure the data is entered correctly at the moment it is entered, while the information is still fresh (instead of corrections being based on recalling events from months before).
3. Immediate entry of data into the EDC system means that in complicated studies with many adverse events (AEs), medications or laboratory tests this important data cannot be forgotten or lost on papers at the site.
4. The EDC forms are clean, centrally organized and no data gets lost.
5. An audit trail is kept and every change made on the CRF is recorded, along with the reason for the change and who made the change.
6. All data entered is legible! EDC ensures maximum data security as all entries to the EDC system require user name and password.

Lower Study Costs:
In addition to the savings of saved time and higher data quality, EDC can bring down study costs in numerous other ways including:

1. Fewer and shorter monitoring visits can be a source of dramatic savings.
2. No need to print CRFs.
3. No costs for processing of data clarifications (queries) since it is all done automatically in the EDC system.
4. Overall, when bearing in mind cost-benefit calculations it makes a good business practice to embrace EDC.