Global Network | Data Coordinating Center

Photo: RTI Main Facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
RTI Main Facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.

RTI Link to external Web site. serves as the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for the Network and is responsible for central training in research methods, statistical leadership, data collection and management including tracking systems, study communications and logistics, and assisting with materials development.

RTI staff will serve as active members of the Steering Committee, work groups and protocol teams. RTI will work closely with the  National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Link to external Web site. staff and the individual Research Units.

As the Global Network Data Coordinating Center, RTI is responsible for the following:
  • Provide senior statistical leadership in study design and data analysis throughout the study for all protocols.
  • Provide state-of-the-art data collection and data management systems.
  • Develop and implement a study-wide network for communication, coordination, reporting, and administration of study activities.
  • Train Research Unit staff in common procedures and general research methods.
  • Help develop study materials.
  • Develop and implement quality control procedures.
  • Provide support in culturally appropriate design and analysis for qualitative studies.
  • Monitor Internal Review Board (IRB) review of all study protocols.
  • Provide flexible staffing for Data Coordinating Center activities.
  • Help investigators to prepare manuscripts and presentations using study data.

RTI will hire an in-country computer hardware and software consultant in most of the research units to help install and maintain computer equipment used in data collection and management.

NICHD will provide overall programmatic oversight, coordination, and assistance to the Global Network. Other co-sponsoring United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) Link to external Web site. Institutes and Centers will also participate. NICHD will be responsible for forming a Network Advisory Group (NAG) and a Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB). The Global Network will work closely with both of these groups, and RTI will compile and develop the materials for these reviews . The NAG will provide scientific oversight of the research and administrative activities of the Global Network, giving periodic expert review, assessment and guidance. The DSMB will advise the NIH and the Global Network on research design issues, data quality and analysis, and ethical and human subject issues. It will also monitor the safety of any ongoing trials.