Guide to Low Cost Electronic Data Capture Systems for Clinical Trials

Abstract

There are many ways to use computer systems to record the information generated during the course of clinical trials. The Electronic Data Capture, or EDC, systems have a range of features from a simple basic functionality to sophisticated and complex specialty systems. The costs of these systems also vary from very expensive proprietary products to a recent trend of Open Source software that is distributed without a license fee. Traditionally, academic projects have made use of existing software resources like spreadsheets and Microsoft Access databases. This guide will present information on the low cost options using existing software or Open Source systems that are supported by the Institute for Translational Health Sciences. The description of the features of each option is intended to help an investigator select appropriate software. Additional proprietary and free software options will be described on in future reports