A comment is a note that users can add to a field for additional context or information. Users with View permissions can check and enter comments in fields using the dedicated action.
- You can add multiple comments, but it's important to know that comments cannot be deleted or edited once added.
- When exporting study data in CSV or Excel formats, comments are included in a separate field.
- Note: Comments are not included when exporting using the SPSS option.
Example of Comments Export in Excel/CSV Format:
Modern Data Entry (from 2024.2 release)
- Click the context menu (three dots) next to a field.
- Choose the ‘Comments’ option.
- Enter your note in the Comment section.
- Click the ‘Add Comment’ button to save it.
Data Entry View (Versions Prior to 2024.2)
- Open the menu for the field by clicking the cogwheel on the right side of the field.
- A dialog will appear where you can enter your comment.
- Click Add comment button to save the changes.
Beyond standard field comments, Castor CDMS provides several built-in mechanisms to attach explanations, justifications, or guidance to fields depending on the situation:
- Marking a Field as Missing: If data cannot be collected, use the field menu to select a standard missing reason. You can include an optional comment explaining why, which logs directly to the audit trail: Mark fields and visits/forms as missing in CDMS
- Reason for Change / GCP: If GCP Confirm Changes is enabled, editing a previously saved value triggers a pop-up requiring a mandatory justification. This is permanently recorded in the audit trail: Add a reason when you change a value (GCP) in CDMS
- Field Queries: Monitors can flag inconsistencies by raising a query on a field. The back-and-forth discussion thread remains attached to that specific field and is visible in query exports: Monitoring queries in EDC/CDMS