title: Observational data collection using computer and manual methods: which informs best?
abstract: Computer and manual systems were used simultaneously to record observations of nursing home residents with dementia during a study designed to improve their dressing performance. This article differentiates the overlapping and unique features of the two data collection systems and discusses the clinical and research utility of each system. Although the computer system was more suited to clinical research and the manual system to clinical practice, when used in tandem each system provided data about the residents' performance that could be used for both clinical research and clinical practice, and complemented or expanded upon data generated by the other system.
authors.affiliation: College Misericordia, Dallas, Pennsylvania, PA, USA.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Holm
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Burgio
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: McDowell
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019370:Observation; D010414:Pennsylvania; D014481:United States