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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
Replacing paper data collection forms with electronic data entry in the field: Findings from a study of community-acquired bloodstream infections in Pemba, Zanzibar
BMC Research Notes, Volume 5, Article 113, Year 2012
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Description
Background: 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. Methods. Data 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. Results: A 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. Conclusions: Electronic 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. © 2012 Thriemer et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Thriemer, Kamala L.
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Ley, Benedikt B.
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Austria, Vienna
Universität Wien
Ame, Shaali Makame
Tanzania, Mkokotoni, Zanzibar
Public Health Laboratory-ivo de Carneri
Puri, Mahesh K.
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Hashim, Ramadhan
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Chang, Na Yoon
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Salim, Luluwa A.
Tanzania, Mkokotoni, Zanzibar
Public Health Laboratory-ivo de Carneri
Ochiai, R. Leon
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Wierzba, Thomas F.
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Clemens, John David
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Von-Seidlein, Lorenz
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Australia, Darwin
Menzies School of Health Research
Deen, Jacqueline L.
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Australia, Darwin
Menzies School of Health Research
Ali, Said Mohammed
Tanzania, Mkokotoni, Zanzibar
Public Health Laboratory-ivo de Carneri
Ali, Mohammad M.
South Korea, Seoul
International Vaccine Institute, Seoul
Statistics
Citations: 93
Authors: 14
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1756-0500-5-113
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Study Design
Grounded Theory
Study Locations
Tanzania