Investigation of Contexts of Data Discovery and Selection Criteria for Clinical Trials Data

This study explores the data discovery contexts and selection criteria used by clinical trials researchers to reuse open clinical trials and related health data. The research examines the connections between how researchers initiate personal data journeys and follow managed processes of data selection criteria. A mixed-method approach within the post-positivist research paradigm was adopted. The methods of survey and in-depth interview were used to elicit the contexts of data discovery within the information-seeking processes of 17 purposively sampled participants. Our findings suggest that researchers use a diverse set of selection criteria to assess the relevance and usability of datasets depending on the search contexts. We identified shared data attributes, and the information considered most important in properly selecting or using a dataset. We have examined the relationships between different contexts of data discovery and their respective selection criteria. Our findings show that it is crucial to prioritize the information needs of users when selecting and using datasets. Data repositories need to specify their system design objectives in line with meeting user information needs. This could be achieved by enhancing the index and search interface with data variables, such as clinical metrics of outcome measures and methods, thereby making it easier for users to select and use datasets that align with their research needs.