In this scenario, the variable of interest—range of motion (ROM)—is aclinically measured, observer-dependent variable. The accuracy and reliability of such data depend primarily on theprecision and consistency of the measurement technique, not merely on data entry validation. Therefore, the most appropriatequality control (QC) methodisindependent verification of the measurement by a second qualified assessor during the visit(Option D).
According to theGood Clinical Data Management Practices (GCDMP, Chapter on Data Quality Assurance and Control), quality control procedures must be tailored to the nature of the data. Forclinically assessed variables, especially those involving human judgment (e.g., physical measurements, imaging assessments, or subjective scoring),real-time verification by an independent qualified assessorensures that data are valid and reproducible at the point of collection. This approach directly addressesmeasurement bias,observer variability, andinstrument misuse, which are primary sources of data error in clinical outcome assessments.
Other options, while valuable, address onlydata consistency or plausibilityafter collection:
Option A (comparison to previous visit)andOption C (reviewing data listings)are retrospective data reviews, suitable for identifying trends but not preventing measurement error.
Option B (programmed edit checks)detects only extreme or impossible values, not measurement inaccuracies due to technique or observer inconsistency.
The GCDMP andICH E6 (R2) Good Clinical Practiceguidelines emphasize that data quality assurance should beginat the source, through standardized procedures, instrument calibration, and dual assessments for observer-dependent measures. Having anindependent second assessorensures inter-rater reliability and provides direct confirmation that the recorded value reflects an accurate and valid measurement.
Reference (CCDM-Verified Sources):
Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM), Good Clinical Data Management Practices (GCDMP), Chapter: Data Quality Assurance and Control, Section 7.4 – Measurement Quality and Verification
ICH E6 (R2) Good Clinical Practice, Section 2.13 – Quality Systems and Data Integrity
FDA Guidance for Industry: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Clinical Outcome Assessment Data, Section 5.3 – Quality Control of Clinician-Assessed Data
SCDM GCDMP Chapter: Source Data Verification and Quality Oversight Procedures