[Data recording using a personal digital assistant. Experience of prospective survey on pain in 3196 patients].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the interest of a personal digital assistant (PDA) when used as data collector in a prospective survey on pain in general practice.


METHODS
Prospective, multicentre and national survey concerning the identification of 4g/24h paracetamol prescription conditions as well as the characterization of the pain justifying it. Data were collected with a dedicated PDA including an electronic visual analogue scale (VAS). It also included a data controlling program of probability, consistency, date recording and time of data entry.


RESULTS
3.196 patients were enrolled by 830 general practitioners (GPs). For 1.066 of them enrolled by 277 GPs, the consistency analysis showed an a posteriori data entry. However, for assessment of pain intensity using the VAS, the physical presence of the patient is mandatory because self-evaluation is the rule.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of an electronic questionnaire permits the collection of good quality data and the possibility of a posteriori control and hence the identification of breaches in clinical trial protocols.
Kempf
Christian
C
Société ICD, Ottrott.
Keddad
Karim
K
Jolivet-Landreau
Isabelle
I
Bertin
Philippe
P
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003625:Data Collection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen