Quality Assurance (QA)

A systematic approach to ensure that the study is performed, and the data are generated, documented (recorded), and reported in compliance with the protocol, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards, and the applicable regulatory requirements. NIH National Institute of Aging (NIA): Glossary of Clinical Research Terms; ICH E6 Guideline for GCP, 1.46
In other words, the planned actions during a research study that ensures that you are doing things the right way.