Web-based Data Collection Methods Research Articles

Pan-Indian Clinical Registry of Invasive Fungal Infections Among Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: Protocol for a Multicentric Prospective Study.

Fungal infections are now a great public health threat, especially in those with underlying risk factors such as neutropenia, diabetes, high-dose steroid treatment, cancer chemotherapy, prolonged intensive care unit stay, and so on, which can lead to mycoses with higher mortality rates. The rates of these infections have been steadily increasing over the past 2 decades due to the increasing population of patients who are immunocompromised. However, the data regarding the exact burden of such infection are still not available from India. Therefore, this registry was initiated to collate systematic data on invasive fungal infections (IFIs) across the country. The primary aim of this study is to create a multicenter digital clinical registry and monitor trends of IFIs and emerging fungal diseases, as well as early signals of any potential fungal outbreak in any region. The registry will also capture information on the antifungal resistance patterns and the contribution of fungal infections on overall morbidity and inpatient mortality across various conditions. This multicenter, prospective, noninterventional observational study will be conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research through a web-based data collection method from 8 Advanced Mycology Diagnostic and Research Centers across the country. Data on age, gender, clinical signs and symptoms, date of admission, date of discharge or death, diagnostic tests performed, identified pathogen details, antifungal susceptibility testing, outcome, and so on will be obtained from hospital records. Descriptive and multivariate statistical methods will be applied to investigate clinical manifestations, risk variables, and treatment outcomes. These Advanced Mycology Diagnostic and Research Centers are expected to find the hidden cases of fungal infections in the intensive care unit setting. The study will facilitate the enhancement of the precision of fungal infection diagnosis and prompt treatment modalities in response to antifungal drug sensitivity tests. This registry will improve our understanding of IFIs, support evidence-based clinical decision-making ability, and encourage public health policies and actions. Fungal diseases are a neglected public health problem. Fewer diagnostic facilities, scanty published data, and increased vulnerable patient groups make the situation worse. This is the first systematic clinical registry of IFIs in India. Data generated from this registry will increase our understanding related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fungal diseases in India by addressing pertinent gaps in mycology. This initiative will ensure a visible impact on public health in the country. DERR1-10.2196/54672.

Methods for improving participation rates in national self-administered web/mail surveys: Evidence from the United States.

In the United States, increasing access to the internet, the increasing costs of large-scale face-to-face data collections, and the general reluctance of the public to participate in intrusive in-person data collections all mean that new approaches to nationally representative surveys are urgently needed. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for faster, higher-quality alternatives to face-to-face data collection. These trends place a high priority on the evaluation of innovative web-based data collection methods that are convenient for the U.S. public and yield scientific information of high quality. The web mode is particularly appealing because it is relatively inexpensive, it is logistically flexible to implement, and it affords a high level of privacy and confidentiality when correctly implemented. With this study, we aimed to conduct a methodological evaluation of a sequential mixed-mode web/mail data collection protocol, including modular survey design concepts, which was implemented on a national probability sample in the U.S. in 2020-2021. We implemented randomized experiments to test theoretically-informed hypotheses that 1) the use of mail and increased incentives to follow up with households that did not respond to an invitation to complete a household screening questionnaire online would help to recruit different types of households; and 2) the use of modular survey design, which involves splitting a lengthy self-administered survey up into multiple parts that can be completed at a respondent's convenience, would improve survey completion rates. We find support for the use of mail and increased incentives to follow up with households that have not responded to a web-based screening questionnaire. We did not find support for the use of modular design in this context. Simple descriptive analyses also suggest that attempted telephone reminders may be helpful for the main survey.

A web-based application for eliciting narrative discourse from Greek-speaking people with and without language impairments

In this paper we present a web-based data collection method designed to elicit narrative discourse from adults with and without language impairments, both in an in-person set up and remotely. We describe the design, methodological considerations and technical requirements regarding the application development, the elicitation tasks, materials and guidelines, as well as the implementation of the assessment procedure. To investigate the efficacy of remote elicitation of narrative discourse with the use of the technology-enhanced method presented here, a pilot study was conducted, aiming to compare narratives elicited remotely to narratives collected in an in-person elicitation mode from ten unimpaired adults, using a within-participants research design. In the remote elicitation setting, each participant performed the tasks of a narrative elicitation protocol via the web application in their own environment, with the assistance of an investigator in the context of a virtual meeting (video conferencing). In the in-person elicitation setting, the participant was in the same environment with the investigator, who administered the tasks using the web application. Data were manually transcribed, and transcripts were processed with Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools. Linguistic features representing key measures of spoken narrative discourse were automatically calculated: linguistic productivity, content richness, fluency, syntactic complexity at clausal and inter-clausal level, lexical diversity, and verbal output. The results show that spoken narratives produced by the same individuals in the two different experimental settings do not present significant differences regarding the linguistic variables analyzed, in sixty six out of seventy statistical tests. These results indicate that the presented web-based application is a feasible method for the remote collection of spoken narrative discourse from adults without language impairments in the context of online assessment.

Audience Response Systems and Missingness Trends: Using Interactive Polling Systems to Gather Sensitive Health Information From Youth.

BackgroundThe widespread availability and cost-effectiveness of new-wave software-based audience response systems (ARSs) have expanded the possibilities of collecting health data from hard-to-reach populations, including youth. However, with all survey methods, biases in the data may exist because of participant nonresponse.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to (1) examine the extent to which an ARS could be used to gather health information from youths within a large-group school setting and (2) examine individual- and survey-level response biases stemming from this Web-based data collection method.MethodsWe used an ARS to deliver a mental health survey to 3418 youths in 4 high schools in the Midwestern United States. The survey contained demographic questions, depression, anxiety, and suicidality screeners, and questions about their use of offline resources (eg, parents, peers, and counselors) and Web-based resources (ie, telemental health technologies) when they faced stressful life situations. We then examined the response rates for each survey item, focusing on the individual- and survey-level characteristics that related to nonresponse.ResultsOverall, 25.39% (868/3418) of youths answered all 38 survey questions; however, missingness analyses showed that there were some survey structure factors that led to higher rates of nonresponse (eg, questions at the end of survey, sensitive questions, and questions for which precise answers were difficult to provide). There were also some personal characteristics that were associated with nonresponse (eg, not identifying as either male or female, nonwhite ethnicity, and higher levels of depression). Specifically, a multivariate model showed that male students and students who reported their gender as other had significantly higher numbers of missed items compared with female students (B=.30 and B=.47, respectively, P<.001). Similarly, nonwhite race (B=.39, P<.001) and higher depression scores (B=.39, P<.001) were positively related to the number of missing survey responses.ConclusionsAlthough our methodology-focused study showed that it is possible to gather sensitive mental health data from youths in large groups using ARSs, we also suggest that these nonresponse patterns need to be considered and controlled for when using ARSs for gathering population health data.

Psychometric Qualities of Turkish Version of Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ)

Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is an umbrella term that refers to an individual’s tendency to have negative thoughts in an uncontrollable and repetitive manner regardless of their content and temporal focus. RNT is suggested to be a transdiagnostic factor that may be associated with vulnerability for many different psychological disorders. The aim of the present study is to examine the psychometric qualities of Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ), which is a scale that assesses non-disorder-specific form of RNT. The data was gathered from 446 Turkish individuals between the ages of 18 and 58 years through a web based data collection method. In addition to PTQ, the participants also completed questionnaires that measure worry, rumination, anxiety, depression, and thought suppression. Two models were tested, and CFA revealed a better fit for the 3-factor model. Results indicated that the scale has satisfactory levels of internal consistency, split-half reliability, and test–retest reliability. Further, correlation analyses showed moderate correlations with measures of worry, rumination, anxiety, and depression; which is indicative of satisfactory levels of both convergent and concurrent validity. In sum, Turkish version of PTQ is a psychometrically sound measure that researchers can utilize in research focusing on transdiagnostic processes.

How Feasible is Multiple Time Point Web-Based Data Collection with Individuals Experiencing Street Homelessness?

Three barriers investigators often encounter when conducting longitudinal work with homeless or other marginalized populations are difficulty tracking participants, high rates of no-shows for follow-up interviews, and high rates of loss to follow-up. Recent research has shown that homeless populations have substantial access to information technologies, including mobile devices and computers. These technologies have the potential both to make longitudinal data collection with homeless populations easier and to minimize some of these methodological challenges. This pilot study's purpose was to test whether individuals who were homeless and sleeping on the streets-the "street homeless"-would answer questions remotely through a web-based data collection system at regular "follow-up" intervals. We attempted to simulate longitudinal data collection in a condensed time period. Participants (N = 21) completed an in-person baseline interview. Each participant was given a remotely reloadable gift card. Subsequently, weekly for 8weeks, participants were sent an email with a link to a SurveyMonkey questionnaire. Participants were given 48h to complete each questionnaire. Data were collected about life on the streets, service use, community inclusion, substance use, and high-risk sexual behaviors. Ten dollars was remotely loaded onto each participant's gift card when they completed the questionnaire within the completion window. A substantial number of participants (67% of the total sample and 86% of the adjusted sample) completed at least seven out of the eight follow-up questionnaires. Most questionnaires were completed at public libraries, but several were completed at other types of locations (social service agencies, places of employment, relative/friend/acquaintance's domiciles, or via mobile phone). Although some of the questions were quite sensitive, very few participants skipped any questions. The only variables associated with questionnaire completion were frequency of computer use and education-both positive associations. This pilot study suggests that collecting longitudinal data online may be feasible with a subpopulation of persons experiencing homelessness. We suspect that participant follow-up rates using web-based data collection methods have the potential to exceed follow-up rates using traditional in-person interviews. If this population of persons experiencing street homelessness can be successful with this method of data collection, perhaps other disenfranchised, difficult-to-track, or difficult-to-reach populations could be followed using web-based data collection methods. Local governments are striving to decrease the "digital divide," providing free or greatly discounted wi-fi connectivity as well as mobile computer lab access to low-income geographic areas. These actions, in combination with increased smart phone ownership, may permit vulnerable populations to connect and communicate with investigators.

Validation of the Elementary Social Behavior Assessment

We describe the psychometric evaluation of the Elementary Social Behavior Assessment (ESBA™), a 12-item scale measuring teacher-preferred, positive social skills. The ESBA was developed for use in elementary school classrooms to measure teacher perceptions of students using time-efficient, web-based data collection methods that allow quick and reliable universal screening. Results from two studies demonstrate that the ESBA has robust internal consistency, a single-dimension, and strong criterion validity. The ESBA seems suited for use within multi-tiered models that address classroom social behavior within early elementary classrooms. It enables teachers to efficiently identify and support students who need additional help learning how to ask for help, complete seatwork, get along with peers, and acquire the other skills that allow them to become successful students.

What is the effect of mode of collection on individual response? Results from a cross-sectional survey of third-level students

BackgroundFace-to-face lecture-theatre-based sampling is recognised as the best method of data collection for student-based health behaviour surveys. In practice, however, it is highly labour intensive and undertaken at a high cost. To reduce these costs, many universities use web-based approaches for collection of student-based health behaviour information. However, these approaches have continually produced extremely low response rates. The aim of this study was to compare and contrast sociodemographic and risk-taking behaviour information across lecture-theatre-based and web-based data collection methods for the first time. MethodsDegree programmes at one Irish university were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Following a sample size calculation, students on all undergraduate degree programmes in all years were eligible for inclusion in the study. Students were sampled by probability proportional to size sampling. In March, 2012, 2275 self-completed questionnaires were obtained over 2 weeks by distribution at lecture theatres. A response rate of 51% was achieved. An email with a link to the questionnaire was sent to all students registered to the same university in March, 2012. 333 undergraduate students responded to the web-based questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 2·4% for the undergraduate population. Mantel-Haenszel tests, independent samples t tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used to investigate the effect of answering questions through lecture-theatre-based sampling or web-based sampling on individual response. FindingsParticipants were predominantly women (1643 of 2583 [63·6%]), in first year (1079 of 2608 [41·4%]), and living in their parents' house (1085 of 2591 [41·9%]) or in a rented house or flat (1095 of 2591 [42·3%]). The median age of participants was 20 years (IQR 19–21). Responses differed significantly across lecture-theatre-based and web-based data collection methods by age, year in college, accommodation, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Independent samples t tests showed alcohol consumption scores and mental health and wellbeing scores were lower among the lecture theatre sample (p=0·001). Controlling for all sociodemographic (age, sex) and university-level effects (faculty, accommodation type, and year in college), small but significant differences were still noted. Those who completed the web-based survey were 60% less likely to report high levels of physical activity (odds ratio 0·37, 95% CI 0·18–0·77; p=0·006) but twice as likely to have taken recreational drugs in the previous 12 months (1·82, 1·12–2·97; p=0·016). InterpretationStudents were sampled from the same third-level institution. The web-based approach provided an expected low response rate, compatible with previous research. It also displayed a different mixture of students in relation to age, year in college, and accommodation type to the lecture-based survey. After controlling for sociodemographic effects, differences in reporting of physical activity, alcohol use, and mental health and wellbeing remained. Although web-based approaches are more cost effective, small but significant differences were noted in reporting. Because of the large discrepancy in response rates (51% vs 2·4%), an absence of sample comparability was noted. A potential for selection bias is evident. Because data for student health behaviour are needed to inform student health policy and practice, further research in this area is needed to validate the effectiveness of either survey method. FundingNone.

Internet-Based Multi-institutional Clinical Research: A New Method to Conduct and Manage Quality of Life Studies

Assessment of outcomes after craniofacial surgery for skull base tumors poses unique challenges because of the rarity of the problem and heterogeneity in clinical behavior of these tumors. Collaborative studies of outcome provide an opportunity for meaningful analysis of not just tumor-related outcome, but also quality of life after treatment in these patients. This article introduces the use of a Web-based data collection method that can function as a collaborative registry and a tool for collection of quality of life data.

Core nursing values brought to life through stories

To determine what contributes to the professional fulfilment of registered nurses. An interpretive research approach was used to gather data from a large international sample of nurses from a variety of nursing specialties. A web-based data-collection method was developed to solicit and receive submissions. Nurses who believed they provided high quality care and made strong connections with patients were usually very satisfied with their careers. Nurses who become well satisfied with their career choice live out their core values and engage in interdependence. They entwine themselves in a mutually dependent way with patients, learning and growing together as they share the journey through the care trajectory.

Ask-the-Nurse Program Study

This paper is intended to provide evaluative data designed to enhance nursing services to multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to benefit MS Society staff and stakeholders and to enhance the Ask-the-Nurse program. The Ask-the-Nurse program was initiated at the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in July 2001. A volunteer nurse knowledgeable in MS care is available via telephone to answer questions raised by MS clients statewide. Phone calls were tracked for 14 months to assess the needs of clients of the National MS Society–Michigan Chapter. Most calls concerned medication, basic clinical information (“Do I have MS?”), National MS Society programs and services, and information requests. It is recommended that other MS Society chapters institute Ask-the-Nurse programs, that Web-based data collection methods be implemented, and that more detailed evaluative data be collected. (Int J MS Care. 2003; 5: 15–21)

Online Surveys in Marketing Research

In a recent article on conducting international marketing research in the twenty-first century (Craig &amp; Douglas 2001), the application of new (electronic) technology for data collection was encouraged. Email and web-based data collection methods are attractive to researchers in international marketing because of low costs and fast response rates. Yet the conventional wisdom is that, as some people still do not have access to e-mail and the Internet, such data-collection techniques may often result in a sample of respondents that is not representative of the desired population. In this article we evaluate multimode strategies of data collection that include web-based, e-mail and postal methods as a means for the international marketing researcher to obtain survey data from a representative sample. An example is given of a multimode strategy applied to the collection of survey data from a sample of respondents across 100 countries.

Comparing Traditional and Computerized Data Collection Methods: Applications for Warning Research

Despite the benefits of the technology, adoption of computerized data collection has been slow. Application development costs and a potential loss of experimental control have both worked to inhibit the advancement of this technology. This study compared a low-cost, Web-based, survey development tool with the traditional paper and pencil method. 91 undergraduates completed a simple warnings experiment using either a paper survey or a Web-based computer survey. Results from these studies were compared to evaluate possible differences associated with delivery method. Analysis of the data found no significant main effect for delivery method and no significant interactions involving method. The lack of differences and similarities in the collected data are encouraging. Web-based data collection methods can enhance existing warnings research methods and participant populations.