Data Collection and Quality Control: The Role of Scientific Societies, OPOs, and Governmental Agencies

Data collection, analysis and quality control are fundamental aspects of any program or process. In order to draw scientifically valid and rigorous conclusions, it is imperative to put in place procedures that ensure quality data in terms of completeness, appropriateness, and reliability. Likewise, a fundamental role is played by quality controls, error prevention processes, traceability, and actions to improve performance. The data collection methodology and the quality control processes are essential for guaranteeing scientific quality. Data can be collected and processed at any level, even single transplant centers can create their own database to process statistics and scientific studies, but the reliability of data is only accomplished with large numbers thus requiring sharing information. Through the awareness that nobody really owns the data, the validity of a scientific study can be guaranteed.