title: Automating research data collection.
abstract: This article reviews the capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages of three forms of automated data collection-scannable data forms, Web-based forms, and handheld computers-compared with the current standard of data entry by hand on paper forms. Each of these methods is reviewed with respect to ease of use, experience required of designer, end-user training requirements, costs, flexibility, speed, accuracy/error rate, potential for data loss, need for technical support, and equipment and/or software requirements. A discussion of their appropriate application to various kinds of studies is included, followed by examples of research studies using each of these methods.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1620, New York, NY 10029, USA. jason.shapiro@mssm.edu
authors.forename: Jason S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bessette
authors.forename: Kevin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Baumlin
authors.forename: Deborah Fish
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Ragin
authors.forename: Lynne D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Richardson
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000379:methods; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D019451:Information Management / Q000379:methods; D020407:Internet; D008500:Medical Records Department, Hospital; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity