Implementing electronic data collection platform for household surveys in resource-constrained settings

Abstract

Background In resource-constrained settings, quality and timeliness of data are the main concerns related to the use of information systems for decision making. Many different tools are available to improve such systems, but their usefulness is only been recently explored. In this paper, we describe our implementation of an electronic platform, open data kit (ODK) for data collection and its feasibility in data management for a population-based household health expenditure survey. Methods We evaluated the use of ODK based data collection in households located in two areas (one urban and one rural) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. From each area, we selected a sample of 60 households for piloting the ODK based questionnaires. The household survey questionnaires were programmed using the Microsoft Excel for data collection in the ODK collect android application. The ODK aggregate was used for data storage and data transfer. A team of six field workers was recruited, and trained to use the ODK collect application for survey data collection. After the training, the field workers pilot tested the questionnaires, both in the form of mock surveys and real on-field testing. Results Under mock-interviews, there were no significant differences in time –to completion between the six field workers. A total of 60 households participated in field testing that showed field workers were able to complete the questionnaires in a timely manner, (mean 32 minutes (SD=18)) with minimal errors, and all field workers found the ODK form easy to use. There were no major technical issues in the ODK implementation or with electronic devices. Conclusions Results from both mock interviews and on-field testing of our data collection platform show the feasibility of using this approach in resource-constrained settings. The approach used to implement, integrate, and test this platform can benefit other health researchers in developing settings intending to move from paper-based methods toward electronic data collection systems.