As residents collect data from their studies, it is important that they enter and organize the data in a manner that will ease analysis. The data collection form and methods should be developed and tested before initiation of the study. Residents and preceptors should also discuss the processes that will be used for data entry and display prior to study initiation.  This should include a determination of quality checks that will be included. If a biostatistician is available, he/she can help verify that all required data are being collected. The biostatistician can also provide invaluable guidance on data display. 

At the 2006 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, Almut Winterstein, Ph.D., of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, discussed data display and organization. 

Statistics at Square One provides a primer on several issues related to data display and summary. Included are brief discussions of nominal, ordinal and interval scales as well as information on data display, including dot plots and histograms. 

Also see:

• Establishing Timelines
• Evaluating the Existing Evidence
• Developing the Research Question, Part I
• Developing the Research Question, Part II
• Writing Specific Aims
• Hypothesis Statements
• Efficacy vs. Effectiveness
• Avoiding Bias
• Data Sources
• Study Design
• Survey Research
• Gaining Institutional Support
• Biostatistics
• Human Subjects Protections, Part I
• Human Subjects Protections, Part II
• Grant Submissions, Part I
• Grant Submissions, Part II
• Grant Submissions, Part III 
• Research Presentations
• Submitting a Manuscript