Comparative Analysis of the Effectiveness of Clinical Data Collection Through Online and Physical Electronic Questionnaire in Orthopedic Patients

Abstract

The collection of clinical data is an essential step for the development of any scientific research. Online digital data collection can optimize this step. Objective: To compare the response rate and the accuracy of the clinical data collection date through the online and physical digital questionnaire in orthopedic patients. Methods: Comparative study, level III of evidence, with forty patients who had ankle sprains were evaluated, followed up for a period of 12 weeks with the application of physical and digital Visual Analogue Scale, Foot Function Index and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool questionnaires, and data were collected about the moment of collection of each questionnaire. Results: We obtained a response rate of 83.3% in the digital collection group and 60% in the physical collection group (p < 0.05), and the response rate in the digital collection group was higher at all times of collection (3, 6 and 12 weeks). Analysis of the time of collection shows greater variability in the larger physical collection group at all times of the study (2.8 vs 1.5; 4.0 vs 2.4; 8.6 vs 1.5). Conclusion: Digital data collection is effective for obtaining clinical data in patients with ankle sprains. Level of Evidence III, Comparative, Prospective, Longitudinal Study in Parallel Groups.