The Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM) has released a best practices document about automated data cleaning, i.e. edit checks that are launched in computer-assisted clinical trials. Said Charlene Dark, leader of the organization's task force on the topic: “By publishing a set of best practices pertaining to edit check design, SCDM provides a foundation from which clinical data management professionals can create comprehensive data cleaning to meet the highest level of data integrity.”

Next week, the maker of a clinical trial management system, Study Manager, will host a free webinar on clinical dashboards. The company says: "This session will focus on the creation of a balanced scorecard to provide insight needed to assume greater control of studies. The presentation will demonstrate examples of how information from multiple sources can be centralized to create a dashboard view of recruitment, financial and other key performance indicators (KPI)." Here's a link to learn more.

{embed="includes/banner_ads" loc="middle"}

Is randomization, by itself, a disincentive for some patients who are otherwise receptive to being involved in research? That's the provocative finding of a small study of participants in ankle surgery. "It may be worthwhile to consider alternative study designs that include nonrandomized arms, such as the comprehensive cohort design,” Canadian researcher Jacynda Wheeler said. “Observational trials may be an effective compliment to randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for treatments in which patients have preconceived preferences." Here's an article.

Octagon Research announced support for European regulations around the electronic common technical document (eCTD). “Support for the latest EU specification is critical to Octagon’s global clients who are submitting eCTD applications in the European Union,” said president Kirk Gallion. “We are committed to supporting these updates as the industry continues to realize the global benefits of electronic submissions in general and the eCTD in particular.” Here's a release.

{embed="includes/banner_ads" loc="third"}

Officials in Hong Kong are recommending more regulation of manufacturing and drug safety. No concrete steps are being planned or mandated, however. Here's an article in Pharma Times.

Backers of the privately held Clinical Resource Network appointed a new CEO, Nicki Norris. Said Adam Schecter, managing partner of Chicago's WHI Capital Partners: "Her deep experience and unwavering commitment to quality and customer service will be invaluable as CRN enhances its services to serve the diverse and expanding needs of clinical research programs." The news release doesn't mention founder Gail Adinamis, who we profiled here.

Have a news release? Send it to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)