Commonly used data-collection approaches in clinical research.
We provide an overview of the different data-collection approaches that are commonly used in carrying out clinical, public health, and translational research. We discuss several of the factors that researchers need to consider in using data collected in questionnaire surveys, from proxy informants, through the review of medical records, and in the collection of biologic samples. We hope that the points raised in this overview will lead to the collection of rich and high-quality data in observational studies and randomized controlled trials.
Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester.
Jane S
JS
Saczynski
David D
DD
McManus
Robert J
RJ
Goldberg
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research / Q000379:methods; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008499:Medical Records; D012107:Research Design; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Clinical research; Data-collection approaches; Observational studies