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NECO’s Policies and Procedures for NECO Center for Eye Care address the collection of clinical research data. These should be reviewed prior to beginning any clinical research project. Open the Google Notebook, and cut and paste the following prompt:
What policies are in place regarding the use of PHI for research purposes?
Quality research begins with quality data. Systematic, thoughtful data collection reduces bias, ensures reproducibility, and strengthens the credibility of your findings. The time invested upfront saves hours during analysis.
Best Practices for Clinical Data Collection
Plan Before You Collect
Use Standardized Instruments When Possible
Minimize Data Entry Errors
Maintain Data Integrity and Security
Document Everything
Data Collection Tools
REDCap
NECO Google Suite
EHR Data Extraction
Note that hybrid approaches to data collection are common: many studies combine methods (e.g., extract diagnosis from Compulink, use Google Forms for symptom questionnaires, enter clinical findings in REDCap).
Clinical Data Collection Process
Step 1: Planning Phase
Step 2: Pilot Testing
Step 3: Systematic Collection/Extraction
Step 4: Regular Quality Checks
Online Courses
- Module 7 in NIH’s Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (IPPCR) addresses clinical data collection.
- 💲 Data Management for Clinical Research from Vanderbilt University covers collecting clinical data in general, as well as how to build an Electronic Data Capture (EDC) instrument using REDCap (which Vanderbilt developed). Available via Coursera; as of July 2026, the cost is $49.
- 💲 Clinical Trials Data Management and Quality Assurance from Johns Hopkins University (via Coursera) is another good option, but requires a subscription to Coursera (which can be canceled once the course is complete).