Abstract
BackgroundEntering data on case report forms and subsequently digitizing them in electronic media is the traditional way to maintain a record keeping system in field studies. Direct data entry using an electronic device avoids this two-step process. It is gaining in popularity and has replaced the paper-based data entry system in many studies. We report our experiences with paper- and PDA-based data collection during a fever surveillance study in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania.MethodsData were collected on a 14-page case report paper form in the first period of the study. The case report paper forms were then replaced with handheld computers (personal digital assistants or PDAs). The PDAs were used for screening and clinical data collection, including a rapid assessment of patient eligibility, real time errors, and inconsistency checking.ResultsA comparison of paper-based data collection with PDA data collection showed that direct data entry via PDA was faster and 25% cheaper. Data was more accurate (7% versus 1% erroneous data) and omission did not occur with electronic data collection. Delayed data turnaround times and late error detections in the paper-based system which made error corrections difficult were avoided using electronic data collection.ConclusionsElectronic data collection offers direct data entry at the initial point of contact. It has numerous advantages and has the potential to replace paper-based data collection in the field. The availability of information and communication technologies for direct data transfer has the potential to improve the conduct of public health research in resource-poor settings.
Highlights
Entering data on case report forms and subsequently digitizing them in electronic media is the traditional way to maintain a record keeping system in field studies
We report here a comparison of our experiences using paper forms versus personal digital assistants (PDAs) for data collection and management
Problems encountered in using paper-based case report form The main concern with using the paper forms was the time interval between data collection and data checking prior to computerization
Summary
Entering data on case report forms and subsequently digitizing them in electronic media is the traditional way to maintain a record keeping system in field studies. Direct data entry using an electronic device avoids this two-step process It is gaining in popularity and has replaced the paper-based data entry system in many studies. We report our experiences with paper- and PDA-based data collection during a fever surveillance study in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Paper CRFs are commonly used for studies in developing countries but electronic methods of data collection and processing are becoming more popular. Such methods have been considered an efficient way of during a mass vaccination campaign in Zanzibar, Tanzania [2]. During the initial phase of a hospital-based fever surveillance study in three district hospitals on Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, a number of problems in data collection and entry using paper CRFs were faced. The objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using electronic data capture for research in a rural and resource-poor setting in sub-Saharan Africa and compare it with paper-based data collection
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