Data editing is an iterative and interactive process that includes procedures for detecting and correcting errors in the data. Data editing must be repeated after the data are imputed, and again after the data are altered. At each stage, the data must be checked for credibility based on range checks to determine if all responses fall within a prespecified reasonable range, consistency based on checks across variables within individual records for noncontradictory responses and for correct flow through prescribed skip patterns, and completeness based on the amount of nonresponse and involves efforts to fill in missing data directly from other portions of an individual's record. .
Writing is key to the data editing process because it is the job of the CRM to analyze the data accordingly so that the rest of the pharmaceutical company, such as the CEOs and marketing personnel, can understand it. These analyses are written out in the forms of company newsletters and e-mails. This way, other employees are aware of the drug's purpose and the progress that is being made throughout its development. The CRM often receives questions and comments about the drug where a response is necessary in the form of an explanatory, informal letter or e-mail. .
Written clinical trial documents and reports are also important pieces to the job of a Clinical Research Manager. Clinical documents are written by CRMs which individually and collectively permit evaluation of the conduct of a trial and the quality of the data produced. The various documents are grouped in three sections according to the stage of the trial during which they will normally be generated: 1) before the clinical phase of the trial commences, 2) during the clinical conduct of the trial, and 3) after completion or termination of the trial. A description is given of the purpose of each document. More simply, these documents are individual summaries of the stages that took place during the research process that are looked over by other employees of the pharmaceutical company.