The Production of Quality Dietary Data: A Collaborative Effort of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study
The production of research-quality dietary data for multicentered, long-duration, dietary intervention trials is complex and difficult. In the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study, quality control of dietary data has been accomplished through the cooperative efforts of MDRD clinical center dietitians, the MDRD Data Coordinating Center, and the MDRD Nutrition Coordinating Center. The rationale for and steps in the design of quality control protocols and the distribution of responsibilities among the MDRD collaborators are discussed. This model of shared responsibility may be a useful approach for future trials.