As part of the Laidlaw Scholars programme, we have had many sessions designed to guide us through the process of completing a research project from start to finish. One particular presentation slide highlighted the importance of data integrity. At the time, I just thought it meant "don't make up results" and "make sure everything is accurate". However, after this experience, I've realised there is more to data integrity than just this.

Recently, I was told by my supervisor not to access a research database while I was in Hong Kong. Rather than assuming what this meant, I contacted the database team to clarify: did the restriction apply only to accessing the database, or to the entire research workspace? Could I still work with results I had already analysed while in the UK?

I wanted to be certain before doing anything, and I was initially disappointed when I received their reply. I had important things to take care of in Hong Kong, and not being able to continue the research as planned meant that I would need to wait until I returned to the UK.

But after reflecting on this experience, I realised that the lesson it taught me was more important than the inconvenience it caused.

Data integrity is not simply about maintaining accuracy and avoiding errors. In clinical research, it also means handling data responsibly, securely, and within the conditions under which we have been trusted to use it. Behind every column and row in a clinical database is a patient who has entrusted their information to healthcare and research systems.

It also taught me a second lesson: clarify rather than assume.

Asking questions can sometimes feel unnecessary, particularly when we think we already know the likely answer. But when dealing with patient data, “probably” is not enough. If something is unclear, asking and making sure is part of being a responsible researcher.

Sometimes good research means moving quickly, and sometimes it means knowing when to wait. In this case, however, the September deadline means that I can't wait much longer, and I will have to return to London very shortly to finish my work. Time to start looking at flight tickets!