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Thread: Does the MHRA hate file notes?

  1. #1

    Does the MHRA hate file notes?

    Quick question... i have often heard that the MHRA hates file notes in the TMF. Is this really true or just a myth? I agree they don't replace essential documents, but when i am reviewing files, a file note is often helpful to understand what has occurred and for some explanation of the documents filed e.g. a file note to summarise a group of emails and the final decision.
    Would be interested to hear others' thoughts and experiences.
    Thanks.

  2. #2
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    The Research Quality Association published a Q & A in July 2007 that was reviewed by the MHRA
    quote :- "The MHRA have seen examples of overuse or inappropriate use of file notes and do not expect planned protocol deviations or violations to be tracked via file notes. Planned deviations from a protocol should be handled via a protocol amendment, significant deviations from the agreed protocol are a breach of legislation".

    The Research Quality association is about to publish a more general Q & A on File Notes in its journal QUASAR. You might find it interesting:-
    "Each organization should determine if and how they will use Notes To File (NTF), File Notes, Memos to File, Explanatory Memos, etc.
    GCP Inspectors have often taken a very negative view of Notes To File (NTF). If we look at just one famous example, the FDA Warning Letter Sponsor Inspection Sanofi-Aventis 23 Oct 2007:- "At least 89 memos to file were generated during the April 2002 monitoring visit to address ... violations. ...., generation of memos to file ... does not adequately secure compliance of an investigator. …Aventis's method for securing compliance, (i.e., the generation of more than 125 memos to file for protocol and informed consent deviations noted at the site) was not adequate……."

    Notes to File (NTF) may be acceptable when an event, decision or situation requires explanation and there are no other study documents designed or suitable to capture this information. They should never be used in place of, for example, a properly executed protocol amendment or routine source documents such as medical notes. They should be used sparingly and not replace other source documents or essential documents.
    Other points for consideration:
    • Subjects’ safety, well being, rights and confidentiality are paramount and consequently no Note to File should replace or inhibit the duty of care to subjects. Where applicable, the IRB/IEC & Regulatory Authorities (in some cases) may need to be notified of some important deviations.
    • Notes to File do not replace the need to document and escalate any protocol deviations
    • Notes to file should be Accurate, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Attributable, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, & Available when needed (the ALCOACCEA criteria). NTFs should be attributable and this is often confirmed by means of a signature. They should be dated contemporaneously and never backdated.
    • Notes to file should be documented by the individual responsible for the work or situation described. For example, a monitor might assist the investigator site staff to formulate a Note to File concerning an issue at the site, but should not take responsibility for the documentation. The note should be attributable to the staff member most responsible. Depending on the topic of the note, it might be appropriate for the Principal Investigator to document the note or at least acknowledge responsibility by signing.
    • Notes to file should describe (or make reference to) the corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) plans that were put in place to correct the problem and prevent recurrence. Accompanying documentation of any related communication and corrective and preventive action should also be retained.
    • Notes to file should be factual and preferably clarify a complex situation or sequence of events

    Notes to file may demonstrate diligence and oversight when documenting a deviation or error, but will not necessarily avoid an inspection or audit finding relating to that deviation or error. A properly executed deviation escalation and follow-up process, may help avoid an inspection or audit finding relating to lack of oversight or lack of escalation process regarding that deviation. Notes that are written immediately prior to an audit or inspection will not demonstrate habitual diligence by staff. Instead, they will demonstrate “cleaning” in anticipation of the audit or inspection and may be a cause for concern".

  3. #3
    My experience is not that the MHRA hate file notes but that they are often not used in the way that you describe. I think if they truly describe the circumstances of an event on the trial or explain an anomaly in the Trial Master File, that seems a reasonable reason for creating a file note. Having said that, if a trail of emails provides the chronology of a discussion and they also contain a final decision reached, there would be no need for a file note as this is just duplicating the information recorded in the emails. In those circumstances, I would personally recommend NOT creating an additional document but rather group the related emails together (physically for a paper TMF or by metadata for an eTMF) so that the electronic discussion can be followed more easily.

    Where I've seen file notes over-used is as "placeholders" to describe an alternative location for a document. For example, a decision has been made to file Regulatory Approval documents in the same section of the TMF as Ethics Approval. So in every country file of a TMF we see a file note to say "The Regulatory Approval document is located in section 4". It would be preferable to simply identify the filing location in a TMF Plan rather than use multiple file notes. This also happens when studies are outsourced and the sponsor files lots of file notes which just say "Document filed by CRO"..... add this information to your TMF Plan and the need for file notes becomes redundant as an inspector will understand from the TMF Plan which documents are filed by whom and where.

    Eldin.

  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by rammellconsult View Post
    My experience is not that the MHRA hate file notes but that they are often not used in the way that you describe.
    Totally agree with that!

  5. #5
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    Thanks for the detail explanation on the File-notes

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