title: Efficient, quality-assured data capture in operational research through innovative use of open-access technology.
abstract: Ensuring quality of data during electronic data capture has been one of the most neglected components of operational research. Multicentre studies are also challenged with issues about logistics of travel, training, supervision, monitoring and troubleshooting support. Allocating resources to these issues can pose a significant bottleneck for operational research in resource-limited settings. In this article, we describe an innovative and efficient way of coordinating data capture in multicentre operational research using a combination of three open access technologies-EpiData for data capture, Dropbox for sharing files and TeamViewer for providing remote support.
authors.affiliation: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: A M V
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Country Office for India, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Naik
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Country Office for India, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Guddemane
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Country Office for India, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.affiliation: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Country Office for India, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Sreenivas
authors.affiliation: Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark ; EpiData Association, Odense, Denmark.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lauritsen
authors.affiliation: The Union, Paris, France ; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Rieder
keywords: EpiData; India; data validation; quality-assured data capture