Self-assessments of patients via Tablet PC in routine patient care: comparison with standardised paper questionnaires.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the feasibility of electronic data capture of self-administered patient questionnaires using a Tablet PC for integration in routine patient management; we also compared these data with results received from corresponding paper-pencil versions.


METHODS
Standardised patient questionnaires (FFbH/HAQ, BASDAI, SF-36) were implemented in our documentation software. 153 outpatients (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, spondyloarthritis) completed sets of questionnaires as paper-pencil and electronic versions using a Tablet PC. The quality and validity of data obtained using a Tablet PC and the capability of disabled patients to handle it were assigned; patients' experiences, preferences and computer/internet use were also assessed.


RESULTS
Scores obtained by direct data entry on the Tablet PC did not differ from the scores obtained by the paper-pencil questionnaires in the complete group and disease subgroups. No major difficulties using the Tablet PC occurred. 62.1% preferred remote data entry in the future. Seven (4.6%) patients felt uncomfortable with the Tablet PC due to their rheumatic disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-administered questionnaires via Tablet PC are a facile and capable option in patients with rheumatic diseases to monitor disease activity, efficacy and safety assessments continuously. Tablet PC applications offers directly available data for clinical decision-making improves quality of care by effective patient monitoring, and contributes to patients' empowerment.
Richter
J G
JG
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Rheumatology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany. richter@rheumanet.org
Becker
A
A
Koch
T
T
Nixdorf
M
M
Willers
R
R
Monser
R
R
Schacher
B
B
Alten
R
R
Specker
C
C
Schneider
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010209:Paper; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface