15 Data Collection and Management
Outcome
Collect, store, manage, and document data to support a Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) research project, ensuring ethical compliance, accuracy, and alignment with research and professional standards.
Potential Risks
Inappropriate data management leading incorrect or biased results; breaches of privacy and/or confidentiality
EPA Template
Note: Printable EPA templates are available to students on their course sites.
| Element | Performance Criteria Description |
|---|---|
| Data Collection Tool Design | - Consider sources of organisational data or health information that may be available for collection and analysis - Develops a clear, relevant and purpose-driven data collection tool tailored to suit the QUM research objectives (e.g. surveys, interview questions, audit templates, etc) - Thoroughly considers the relevance of each data point on the template and its necessity in contributing to the overall research aims/objectives - Ensures the tool is validated or piloted to identify potential flaws and improve reliability |
| Data Collection and Analysis | - Demonstrates the ability to gather and record data using the data collection tool according to the research methodology - Ensures that the data is complete and accurate with minimal errors or omissions - Demonstrates competency in using relevant data management platforms and software (e.g. MS Excel, MS Teams, MS Forms, Qualtrics, etc) - Demonstrates effective communication skills when interacting with research participants, using both open and closed questions as appropriate - Perform appropriate data analysis according to the research objectives: -> Quantitative data – consider use of simple descriptive statistics or use relevant software to perform appropriate statistical analysis -> Qualitative data – review qualitative data (e.g. interview transcripts, open-ended survey responses) using thematic analysis |
| Data Storage and Management | - Maintains accurate and detailed documentation of research methods and data collection/analysis process - Ensures data is stored in appropriate manner that protects that maintains privacy and confidentiality, with limited access to authorised individuals only - Establishes and maintains regular backup protocols to prevent data loss, storing backups in a secure location - Uses a systematic and logical approach to organize files (e.g. labelled folders, consistent file naming conventions) for easy retrieval and traceability - Maintains version control of data files, tracking changes made over time and ensuring the most up-to-date version is clearly identifiable |
| Ethical Considerations and Risk Analysis | - Ensure ethical integrity is maintained throughout the data collection process by considering the following aspects: -> Respect for participants – obtain informed consent from participants before collecting data where relevant; inform participants of their right to withdraw from the study at any point without consequences -> Privacy and confidentiality – de-identify participant data to protect individual identities -> Cultural sensitivity – recognise and respect cultural values, beliefs and practices of participants, particularly when working with diverse populations - Assess and identify any potential risks involved in the data collection process both to participants and researchers - Consider relevant strategies for risk mitigation, privacy breaches and potential for bias and errors |
| Collaboration and Agency | - Clarification is sought for any concerns identified and escalated to an appropriate stakeholder - Identify and acknowledge any professional or personal limitations and seek support where necessary |
