Data collection review day 2014
SHM’s data collectors recently came together for a data collection review day. This recurring annual event is designed to keep data collectors up to date with latest developments in HIV care and within SHM. Below is an overview of the most important topics discussed during the day.
New & ongoing data management projects
During the first part of the day, SHM’s Data & data quality unit manager, Sima Zaheri, provided an update of SHM’s ongoing and new data management projects. New projects include more extensive hepatitis B and C data collection based on definitions set by the NVHB-SHM hepatitis working group, as well as the automated collection of genotype resistance data for research into viral resistance. Sima also discussed projects designed to further improve the quality of collected data, such as revising the protocols for collecting data on children and pregnant women, as well as plans to improve the efficiency of data collection, such as the digital delivery of laboratory data (LabLink) and the new registration database [see related article elsewhere in this newsletter].
Data and data quality unit: new staff
In response to SHM’s growing data collection activities, several new people have recently joined the data and data quality unit. These people were introduced to the data collection team and include Nouras Hamid, Marieke Schoorl and Dorinda Bergsma, who will focus on collecting hepatitis data, as well as Claudia Ree who will be responsible for the data collection at MC Leeuwarden. Finally, Brenda Tuk has the task of introducing and managing the new registration database.
Whole genome sequencing and genotying
During the second part of the morning, Dr Marion Cornelissen presented the new BEEHIVE project, a collaboration with Imperial College, London, the AMC in Amsterdam, and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge, for which SHM will collect stored plasma samples for whole genome sequencing. The last presentation of the morning was given by Dr Ard van Sighem who explained the process of viral resistance, its consequences in terms of treatment and current efforts underway in the Netherlands to investigate this resistance through genotyping studies.
Improving collection of liver data
After lunch, the data collectors turned their attention to the liver. Working in small groups led by a data monitor, the data collectors discussed liver diagnostics based on previously-defined questions and statements and on selected ultrasound images. The aim was to exchange knowledge and experience, without having to come up with a best method. The sessions were designed to underline the importance of sharing information and questions and of making use of the SHM helpdesk. This approach should ensure maximum uniformity within the data and lead to further fine-tuning of protocols.
This case-based training was well-received by the data collectors and will be developed further for use during future data collection review days.