Data collection

Case information

Standardized case report forms are used to collect information on basic demographics, underlying medical conditions, previous vaccinations, risk factors, treatments and outcomes of disease. Data is obtained from interview with the patient and review of the patient’s health records. With the consent of the patient, family doctors are contacted to confirm details of vaccination and prior antibiotic use. Case report forms are identified with a study code number only and the information cannot be identified as belonging to any individual.

The process for collection of data is approved by the Research Ethics Boards (REB) of the participating hospitals.