The eSOURCE-READINESS ASSESSMENT TOOL (eSRA)

The tool contains questions based on regulations and regulatory agency guidelines for clinical research data sources and should be used to evaluate the suitability of an Investigator Site computerized system to provide data for clinical trials. An eClinical Forum team, comprised of CRAs and Data Managers from different clinical research sponsor organizations and CROs and representatives from sites, has produced the "eSource-Readiness Assessment", otherwise known as "eSRA" for sites to perform a self-assessment of their computerized system's ability to be compliant with clinical research regulations.

Clinical research draws on a combination of data collected during a clinical trial and historical medical information relating to the research subject(s). Many of the data points needed for clinical research are originating in Electronic Health Record Systems, making them "eSource" for clinical research. Even if these data points are not used directly from the site's healthcare system, but are re-entered into a Sponsor's system for a clinical trial, the source of the information (the healthcare system) must still be confirmed as compliant with standards set forth in clinical research regulations and applicable guidance documents.

The eSRA Questionnaire Version 2024 can be downloaded as part of the eSRA Handbook below.  (This version incorporates changes based on the EMA Guideline on computerised systems and electronic data in clinical trials.)

Notice to those intending to include eSRA in their own materials: Copyrighted by the eClinical Forum 2024. The eClinical Forum keeps all rights of this material. Please see the License for Fair Use in the eSRA Handbook and “Implementing eSRA” Guide. We welcome eSRA to be used in other formats, however, it is required that eSRA text be used exactly, that all eSRA questions are included, that your use of eSRA is updated when eCF eSRA is updated, and that eClinical Forum is notified in writing and credited. By using these materials, you acknowledge the terms and conditions for use.  The eClinical Forum is only responsible for the eSRA materials as distributed via the eClinical Forum website. If using the eCF form, downloaded from this website, in it's original format, there is no need to notify eCF.

Stay Current!!

As new regulations are released or updated, the eClinical Forum will evaluate if the eSRA questions should be updated. To be notified of future releases of the eSRA Questionnaire, please send an email to eSRA@eClinicalForum.org. Your email address will not be used for purposes other than to inform you of updates to eSRA.

Sponsors & CROS -- Please take our very brief survey regarding how you are using eSRA.  This will help us improve eSRA. Survey link: eCF eSRA Survey (eclinicalforum.org) THANK YOU!!!

Do we keep a list of sites that have completed eSRAs?

We have frequently been asked if we can provide a list of which sites have already completed an eSRA. Due to privacy laws in different countries, eClinical Forum does not keep such a list. We supply the eSRA questionnaire, free of charge, to anyone who wants to use it. We encourage sponsors to keep a list for themselves of which sites they have received a completed eSRA from. We encourage sites to store their completed eSRA in a central location (such as their IT department) so that other groups within the same organization / using the same electronic healthcare system, can use the completed eSRA as a basis to complete their own eSRA.

eSRA RESOURCES – Scroll to see all resources

Public release of the Computerised Systems Essential Records (CSER) List

Published on 27 August 2026

Public release of the Computerised Systems Essential Records (CSER) List

Public Release PR2

A clear and structured definition of essential records, data and metadata elements is critical to ensure that all information needed to accurately reconstruct the conduct of a clinical trial is preserved, and this is a sponsor responsibility. This involves identifying them, designating these elements for long term archival, and confirming that they have been archived before the associated trial is decommissioned from a system.
This Computerised Systems Essential Records (CSER) list is designed to support sponsors in identifying, selecting, and documenting the essential data and metadata that must be retained to accurately reconstruct the conduct of a clinical trial after decommissioning from the computerised system. Users are free to add and modify this list based on their own requirements. Please see the Disclaimer and License tab.
This list will evolve alongside new technologies and updates to existing systems.
Sponsors should use this list as a reference to identify:

  • Study-specific essential records
  • System-specific metadata requirements
  • Audit trail elements required for compliance

Sponsors should ensure that all required data and metadata in the archival package preserves the context and meaning necessary for accurate reconstruction.
This list is a companion to the eClinical Forum and European CRO Federation (EUCROF) previously published position paper and three associated white papers dealing with the archiving of electronic records and the decommissioning of computerised systems used in clinical trials. These can be downloaded from the eCF and EUCROF websites. 

  • “Decentralized TMF Archives and The Decommissioning Of Computerised Systems Used In Clinical Trials” (Position paper)
  • “Nature of a Distributed Trial Master File ‐ Practical Aspects”
  • “The Decommissioning of Computerised Systems Used in Clinical Trials”
  • “Data Formats Used in Clinical Trials”
  • "eCF_Essential_Records_PR2" - Dashboard 

To download the resources, see the links below. 

These resources together provide foundational principles for ensuring long-term accessibility and compliance.
 

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