> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.carelane.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Data Collection

> Capture clinical research data through questionnaires and workflows

Data collection in Carelane is accomplished through structured questionnaires (CRFs), workflows, and scheduled activities defined in participant pathways.

## Data Collection Overview

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Data Entry" icon="keyboard" href="/data-collection/data-entry">
    Enter data into questionnaires and forms.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Questionnaires" icon="file-lines" href="/data-collection/questionnaires">
    Structure and behavior of data collection forms.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Workflows" icon="diagram-project" href="/data-collection/workflows">
    Task sequences for operational processes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Submission" icon="paper-plane" href="/data-collection/submission">
    Submit and finalize collected data.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Data Collection Methods

### Questionnaires (CRFs)

Structured forms for capturing participant data:

* Demographics
* Medical history
* Assessment results
* Adverse events
* Outcome measures

### Workflows

Task sequences for operational processes:

* Site onboarding
* Regulatory document collection
* Training completion

### Pathways

Scheduled sequences of questionnaires:

* Visit-based data collection
* Time-point assessments
* Longitudinal tracking

## Data Entry Roles

Different roles have different data entry capabilities:

| Role                           | Data Entry | Data Submission |
| ------------------------------ | ---------- | --------------- |
| **CRC**                        | Yes        | Yes             |
| **Data Entry Specialist**      | Yes        | Limited         |
| **Sub Investigator**           | Yes        | Yes             |
| **PI**                         | Yes        | Yes             |
| **Study Team (Data Reviewer)** | View only  | No              |

## Data Entry Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Form">
    Navigate to the participant and select the questionnaire to complete.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Data">
    Fill in fields according to source documents and clinical observations.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Save progress at any time. Data is preserved for later completion.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete">
    Mark the form as complete when all required fields are filled.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit">
    Submit for study team review (status changes to Completed Site).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Field Types

Questionnaires support various field types:

| Type           | Description                               |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| **Text**       | Free text entry                           |
| **Number**     | Numeric values with optional ranges       |
| **Date**       | Date selection with validation            |
| **Choice**     | Single or multiple selection from options |
| **Boolean**    | Yes/No responses                          |
| **Attachment** | File uploads                              |
| **Calculated** | Auto-computed from other fields           |

## Data Validation

Validation occurs during entry:

* Required field enforcement
* Range checks (min/max values)
* Format validation
* Conditional logic

<Tip>
  Address validation warnings during entry to reduce queries later.
</Tip>

## Data Quality

After submission, data quality processes include:

* Study team review
* Query generation for discrepancies
* Verification and sign-off

See [Data Quality](/data-quality) for details.

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Timely Entry">
    Enter data as close to collection time as possible for accuracy.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Source Verification">
    Verify data against source documents before entry.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Complete Save">
    Use the save feature frequently to prevent data loss.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Follow Instructions">
    Review form instructions and guidelines before entering data.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>