Improving data collection and management for health surveys in developing countries using new information and communication technologies : IDRC final technical report (7 August 2007 to 9 January 2009)

Date

2009

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

HealthBridge

Abstract

The project developed a user-friendly hand-held computer (or personal digital assistant, PDA)-based data management system for collection and analysis of medical field survey data. It was successfully tested in field trials in Ecuador and Bolivia for a nutrition survey, and for malaria control in Mali and Madagascar. PDAs can greatly increase the size, efficiency, and accuracy of field surveys, which are often limited by the burden of data collection and entry with paper and pen. Training materials were developed, but given the ever-changing nature of the technology there is a need to continually update training materials and find ongoing ways to train partners.

Description

Keywords

HEALTH, ICT AND HEALTH, DATABASES, DATA COLLECTION, SURVEYS, MOBILE COMMUNICATION, EXPERT SYSTEMS, INFORMATION PROCESSING, TRAINING, INFORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Citation

DOI