Table 3 Data validation items developed by the central CIMDRN office

• Check that blank data fields are confirmed as intentionally blank to indicate that information is not available in the participant’s chart

• Check that any dates that are entered occur within a reasonable time frame (e.g., dates should not occur in the future)

• Check that participant data are recorded in chronological order

• Follow up with centre regarding any extreme values that could represent a data entry error

• Check to ensure correct organization of information (i.e., data entered in correct data field and in the correct format)

• Check that organization of data in clinical database follows expected workflow at that centre (i.e., order of events is reasonable and appropriate)

• Ensure appropriate unit conversion, if applicable