DFexplore

DFexplore is a computer application used to enter, review and modify subject data, and to submit it over the internet to a DFdiscover server at the study coordinating site. This type of data entry is commonly referred to as Electronic Data Capture or EDC. DFexplore is part of the DFdiscover clinical trial management system, which also supports data collection by paper, scanned document and fax. All methods can be used in the same study. EDC has been described as having the advantage of providing immediate help to data collection users, resulting in more complete and accurate data entry, and fewer queries from the study coordinating site.

To help realize these benefits and facilitate the transition from paper forms to EDC, DFexplore has been designed with:

- intuitive navigation, using a subject binder analogy,

- data entry screens that can match the equivalent paper forms,

- help in the form of status icons, color coding, messages and interactive edit checks,

- a Query window used to read and respond to queries from the study coordinating site,

- a Reason window used to explain unusual data values (and thus avoid queries), and

- a Missing Value window used to mark fields with standard missing value codes