In clinical trials, an Electronic data capture software, often known as an electronic case report form (eCRF), is a critical software tool. Clinical research relies on precise data, and EDC solutions are used to gather, clean, and analyze clinical study data. In this post, you’ll learn about the technical and practical elements of EDC systems and the expenses of purchasing and using them in clinical trials.
What is the Definition of an EDC System?
An Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system, to put it simply, is software that records patient data acquired in clinical trials. Typically, data is captured on paper, then transcribed into the system and saved in an electronic case report format (eCRF). Electronic data capture software is being used in many clinical studies to replace paper records with electronic records.
What Does it Do?
- Electronic data capture (EDC) software automates the formerly time-consuming and labour-intensive process of handling clinical trial data.
- EDC software simplifies the gathering, evaluation, and processing of clinical trial data at its heart.
- EDC software supplements clinical trial management software; some CTMSs even include EDC capability.
- Improved data quality, research efficiency, and a better capacity to satisfy regulatory compliance are all advantages of employing EDC software.
- Contract research organizations (CROs), clinical trial sponsors, and study sites use EDC software.
Data Protection
A web-based interface is used to enter data into an EDC system that is hosted online. Software suppliers ensure that the data gathered in an EDC system is safeguarded and backed up because of the nature of the data. Because each user account has its permissions, most actions are limited to specific roles.
Cost-Effectiveness
An EDC system can cost anywhere between nothing and a lot of money. Pricing varies, and some merchants tack on extra service and other charges. Buying an EDC system may appear to be a hefty investment initially, but it will save you money in the long term.
Accuracy
Data quality is improved through Electronic data capture software. Constraints can be added to a form to prevent incorrect or illogical values from being input. Using a computerized system makes legible inputs and automated computations possible, resulting in cleaner data.
Organization
Because of its user-friendly navigation, using an EDC system improves clinical trial efficiency. Search options make it simple to discover and filter precisely what you need and save everything in one place for better visibility and less paper usage.
Rapid Data Access
With real-time access to data and less time spent on query management, an EDC system may save a lot of time. This also saves time at the end of the research by allowing the data to be available for examination sooner. While learning how to operate a system can take a long time, some are so simple to use that only a few hours of training are necessary.
Conclusion
Electronic data collection systems have grown in popularity as a tool for handling clinical trial data. Electronic data capture software may improve productivity, assure data quality, save clinical trial time and costs, and maintain regulatory compliance.
Source : https://dailybusinesspost.com/a-short-guide-to-electronic-data-capture-software-and-its-benefits/
