Time and motion study to compare electronic and hybrid data collection systems during the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccination campaign

Abstract

During the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination campaign, vaccine providers collected immunization data using hybrid (paper-based and electronic methods) and electronic data systems. We measured staff time in seconds spent on data collection tasks to compare system efficiencies. The sample consisted of 38 organizations across nine Canadian provinces/territories. The total mean data collection times per client were 104 s (electronic system), 143 s (hybrid system with electronic registration) and 172 s (hybrid system with paper registration). Electronic registration and record keeping were faster than paper-based methods; these findings should be used to improve data collection for future influenza seasons.