Wireless data collection of self-administered surveys using tablet computers

Abstract

The accurate and expeditious collection of survey data by coordinators in the field is critical in the support of research studies. Early methods that used paper documentation have slowly evolved into electronic capture systems. Indeed, tools such as REDCap and others illustrate this transition. However, many current systems are tailored web-browsers running on desktop/laptop computers, requiring keyboard and mouse input. We present a system that utilizes a touch screen interface running on a tablet PC with consideration for portability, limited screen space, wireless connectivity, and potentially inexperienced and low literacy users. The system was developed using C#, ASP.net, and SQL Server by multiple programmers over the course of a year. The system was developed in coordination with UCLA Family Medicine and is currently deployed for the collection of data in a group of Los Angeles area clinics of community health centers for a study on drug addiction and intervention.

Figures

Figure 1.

Input types as rendered by tablet software. From left to right: Information, Multiple Choice, Date, Free text, Signature.

Figure 2.

Survey designer pages displaying a) the listing of current survey questions, b) controls for editing the question text.

Figure 3.

Survey designer pages displaying a) controls for editing the question responses, and b) controls for designating skip and score logic for the question.