The role of data management in health: A case study in developing countries

Field trials of interventions against diseases are complex and expensive, especially in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Careful planning is needed while conducting such trials in order to avoid a premature or unsuccessful end. The objective of this paper is to highlight aspects of data management that are vital to the successful completion of health-related trials or clinical trials, especially dealing with unforeseen problems that are usually overlooked. Errors and tools for dealing with such problems are described. Practical examples from seven years of data management experiences gained from studies conducted at the Medical Research Council in The Gambia are discussed, including the ‘garbage in, garbage out’ principle. To meet acceptable standards and enhance the reproducibility of studies, careful monitoring of the quality of data collected and entered and the processes of keeping study populations under surveillance is of great importance. Data management plays the central role as the link between all disciplines in any trial, including fieldwork, laboratory, the clinic, and statistics. Do not start any study without first consulting a data manager.