Tag: GDP

Forms, forms, everywhere

Unless you work in the factory of the future the chances are you have forms — if you are like me over 1100 of them. So what is a form and how does it fit into our document management system?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines form (amongst other things) as “a printed or typed document with blank spaces for insertion of required or requested information.”

We use forms to tell what information needs to be captured, and usually to record when and by whom. Forms have the following advantages in our document management system:

  • The user has to write less
  • The user is told or reminded what information has to be supplied
  • There is uniformity
  • Information is collected in writing and so can be reexamined later. Forms almost always have a signature field to allow someone to take responsibility

It is useful to note here that electronic systems do basically the same thing.

Returning to our three major types of documents:

  • Functional Documents provide instructions so people can perform tasks and make decisions safely effectively, compliantly and consistently. This usually includes things like procedures, process instructions, protocols, methods and specifications. Many of these need some sort of training decision. Functional documents should involve a process to ensure they are up-to-date, especially in relation to current practices and relevant standards (periodic review)
  • Records provide evidence that actions were taken and decisions were made in keeping with procedures. This includes batch manufacturing records, logbooks and laboratory data sheets and notebooks. Records are a popular target for electronic alternatives.
  • Reports provide specific information on a particular topic on a formal, standardized way. Reports may include data summaries, findings and actions to be taken.

A form is a functional document that once printed and has data entered onto it becomes a record. That record then needs to be managed and has all sorts of good documentation and data integrity concerns including traceability and retention (archiving).

It is helpful here to also differentiate between a template and a form. A template is a form that is specifically used to build another document — an SOP template or a protocol template for example. Usually the template gives you a document that then goes through its own lifecycle.

What is in a title

Recently I’ve seen a few inspection observations that have provided an observation on the title of quality record (e.g. deviation, CAPA, change control).

The title might seem the most basic part of a quality system record – a simple task – but instead it should receive some serious thought. This is any inspector’s first interaction, it serves as a historical flag that generations of readers will use to become familiar. And everyone falls prey to “judging a book by its cover.” This cognitive bias tends to make readers considerably susceptible to allowing the quality systems title to function as the sole factor influencing their decision of whether to read or skip a record. A bad title could shape an inspection or deprive an important historical record from being evaluated in the future. We can do better.

A good quality systems record title:

  • Condenses the record’s content in a few words
  • Differentiates the record from other records of the same subject area

Some general tips:

  1. Keep it simple and brief: The primary function of a title is to provide a precise summary of the record’s content. So keep the title brief and clear. Use active verbs instead of complex noun-based phrases, and avoid unnecessary details. Moreover, a good title for a record is typically around 10 to 12 words long. A lengthy title may seem unfocused and take the readers’ attention away from an important point.

    2. Avoid: Wrong label issued

    Better: Sample ABCD was issued label 1234 instead of label X4572

  2. Use appropriate descriptive words: A record title should contain key words used in the record and should define the nature of the quality systems event. Think about terms people would use to search for your record and include them in your title.

    3. Avoid: No LIMS label for batch ABDC

    Better: Batch ABDC was missing label Y457 as required by procedure LAB-123

  3. Avoid abbreviations and jargon: Known abbreviations can be used in the title. However, other lesser-known or specific abbreviations and jargon that would not be immediately familiar to the readers should be left out.

It sometimes surprises folks how simple things can have ripple effects. But they do, so plan accordingly and ensure your users are trained on writing a good title. Trust me; it will make things easier in the long run.