title: Data management in practice-based research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Multi-site data collection is complex and requires an effective data management system. This article explores data management issues encountered in the design, conduct, and analysis of a research project involving 74 community-based sites and a central data management system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Once the data arrived at the central site, data integrity was maintained at a very high level. Issues encountered in our study on low back pain reflected the practice-based nature of the study and the limitations of finances, staff, and facilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The task of converting a research protocol to actual procedures for data collection and data management can be very challenging. The importance of early recognition of the effort and resources needed for data management and quality-control procedures cannot be overestimated.
authors.affiliation: Western States Chiropractic College, Division of Research, Center for Outcomes Studies, Portland, Ore. 97230, USA.
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nyiendo
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Attwood
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ganger
authors.forename: Mitchell
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haas
mesh_terms: D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003628:Database Management Systems; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D009922:Oregon; D011786:Quality Control; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires