Description
The presented transcript outlines a talk given by Tim Wilton and Paul Baker focusing on the importance of data completeness and quality in orthopedic surgical research, emphasizing the necessity of accurate data collection for registry development. Wilton begins by discussing the challenges faced with data completeness, the need for a gold standard for auditing, and the implications of missing data. He highlights mandatory data entry as vital for effective assessment and shares experiences from the National Joint Registry (NJR). He underscores the importance of unique identifiers for data tracking, noting the inconsistencies in identifiers across different regions of the UK.
Wilton also addresses the different data collection practices in Northern Ireland and Scotland, emphasizing the significance of data sharing across databases early in the process. He puts forward that data should not only be complete, but also relevant to ensure reliable analysis, particularly in relation to implant assessment.
Paul Baker follows by speaking on registry-based research, noting its expanding importance over recent years and the rise of registry publications in orthopedic fields. He contrasts registries with randomized controlled trials (RCTs), discussing their strengths and weaknesses. He asserts that while RCTs provide high-quality evidence, registries cover broader populations and can reveal valuable trends and their potential biases due to the noise within vast datasets.
The talk contains insights into data management strategies, the necessity of maintaining data integrity and robustness, and the importance of linking academic institutions for methodological rigor. Both speakers emphasize the need for clear governance regarding data handling, particularly for commercial implications, and conclude by urging a commitment to high standards in data collection and analysis to drive effective clinical research.