Transparency / Accountability / Tracking
Transparency and accountability are key factors for patient-oriented informed consent process. The sponsor and auditor cannot truly understand only with signed paper ICF how appropriate the informed consent process is (e.g. time spent for the explanation, exact order of signature) because the sponsor and auditor cannot see the actual process with the signed paper ICF.
The eICF system, however, can record time spent on each section in eICF and the electronic signature on eICF is always dated correctly even by minutes. In addition, any change to records is recorded in an additive manner such that a complete, unalterable audit trail documents all events in excruciating detail. Any process for explanation, signature, and maintenance is also recorded in eICF and the system. Therefore, the sponsor and auditor can track the record and assess the appropriateness of explanation and signature by investigators and patients by confirming the data linked to the eICF.