77 Best practices for data management and metadata creation for collaborative biostatistics teams

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: Our goal is to enhance communication and documentation in collaborative biostatistics by refining data management and metadata processes. We aim to capture critical data collection and generation information, improve transparency and reproducibility, and foster stronger researcher partnerships for more effective collaborations. Methods/Study Population: Traditional statistical analysis plans (SAP) often miss essential contextual knowledge from collaborators, leading to gaps that hinder reproducibility and limit future data use. Biostatistics teams at the University of Kentucky have updated their strategies to better capture important details about data origins and collection processes. By focusing on clear, comprehensive documentation early in the research process, we aim to preserve foundational data insights and improve collaboration efficiency. Our Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) team has established best practices for addressing data management structures with collaborators across medical and healthcare fields – covering all project stages, from initial data collection to metadata creation and dataset finalization. Results/Anticipated Results: We will detail the processes used to improve data management structures and the observed results of these processes. For example, initiating deeper discussions about data origins and collection processes as early as possible in the collaboration has resulted in a more comprehensive project narrative that lays the foundation for effective collaboration. By engaging with project leaders early in the process, we can confirm that critical details about how data were collected and processed are documented, improving both the transparency and reproducibility of research findings. Streamlining the processes of capturing this information makes it more accessible and useful for those with limited statistical backgrounds, which is particularly relevant for faculty and staff in BERD communities and Clinical and Translational Science Awards Programs. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Nuanced data documentation structures are crucial for transforming raw data into meaningful, reusable datasets. Our initiatives promote clear communication, enhanced efficiency, and streamlined workflows. Translational science researchers can benefit from improving data management and metadata to boost long-term collaborative success.