A great article in January’s Nature spells out what I believe to be a new movement in Quality Assurance (QA).

The article discusses “Voluntary QA” and how it can:

• Improve overall data quality/integrity and research practices.
• Develop research processes that prevent issues before they happen.
• Provide a proactive approach to improving data collection so that findings can be defended and stand up to scrutiny.
• Help scientists improve reproducibility and get better at what they do.
• Allow groups to stand out over other research entities, rather than constraining scientists, so that they offer a competitive advantage.

An important takeaway of “Voluntary QA” is how many improvements are easy to implement and maintain with the right approach and communication. There is also a wonderful discussion about “rehearsing” for complex data gathering, and how it can be help prior to collection so every data point was traceable and defendable.

“Voluntary QA” is like training. It is why sport teams and marathon runners train, and why actors rehearse before shooting a movie. It can strengthen muscles important to the process – and prepare you for times when you need that extra bit of strength to get to the finish line or address an issue that needs to be resolved.

It is a fire extinguisher: You never think about it until you really need it. And then you are glad you have it.

Too often, QA consultants are seen as dictatorial and confrontational, which only alienates scientists and isolates them from embracing QA. But if approached in the proper manner, “Voluntary QA” can be a tool that can have positive effects and become second nature.

Here is a link to the article.

What one or two simple practices might you put in place today to begin a “Voluntary QA” movement?