title: Strategies to use tablet computers for collection of electronic patient-reported outcomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mobile devices are increasingly being used for data collection in research. However, many researchers do not have experience in collecting data electronically. Hence, the purpose of this short report was to identify issues that emerged in a study that incorporated electronic capture of patient-reported outcomes in clinical settings, and strategies used to address the issues.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The issues pertaining to electronic patient-reported outcome data collection were captured qualitatively during a study on use of electronic patient-reported outcomes in two home dialysis units. Fifty-six patients completed three surveys on tablet computers, including the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, and a satisfaction measure. Issues that arose throughout the research process were recorded during ethics reviews, implementation process, and data collection. Four core issues emerged including logistics of technology, security, institutional and financial support, and electronic design.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although use of mobile devices for data collection has many benefits, it also poses new challenges for researchers. Advance consideration of possible issues that emerge in the process, and strategies that can help address these issues, may prevent disruption and enhance validity of findings.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Level 3, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada. kara.schickmakaroff@ualberta.ca.
authors.forename: Kara
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schick-Makaroff
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Level 3, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada. anita.molzahn@ualberta.ca.
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Molzahn
mesh_terms: D034201:Computers, Handheld / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057566:Self Report