Comparing the efficiency of paper-based and electronic data capture during face-to-face interviews

Abstract

On-site surveys involving face-to-face interviews are implemented globally across many scientific disciplines. Incorporating new technologies into such surveys by using electronic devices is becoming more common and is widely viewed to be more cost-effective and accurate. However, Electronic Data Capture methods (EDC) when compared to traditional Paper-based Data Capture (PDC) are often implemented without proper evaluation of any changes in efficiency, especially from surveys in coastal and marine environments. A roving creel survey of recreational shore-based fishers in Western Australia in 2019 enabled a direct comparison between the two methods. Randomisation strategies were employed to ensure biases in using each technique were minimised. A total of 1,068 interviews with recreational fishers were undertaken with a total error rate of 5.1% (CI95%: 4.8–5.3%) for PDC and 3.1% (CI95%: 2.9–3.3%) for EDC. These results confirmed that EDC can reduce errors whilst increasing efficiency and decreasing cost, although some aspects of this platform could be improved with some streamlining. This study demonstrates how EDC can be successfully implemented in coastal and marine environments without compromising the randomised, stratified nature of a survey and highlights the cost-effectiveness of this method. Such findings can be widely applied to any discipline which uses face-to-face interviews for data collection.

Quality of Data Recording and Antimicrobial Use in a Municipal Veterinary Clinic in Ghana

“…This low quality of data recording may be attributed to a lack of appropriate tools such as standard treatment registers, including electronic data systems, which are the most reliable [36]; high staff turnover; and probably a lack of frequent supportive supervision by a national regulatory body such as the Food and Drugs Authority [27]. A key requirement for effectively monitoring the use of antimicrobials in stewardship programs is accurate and complete data [38]. In a traditional paper-based data recording system, the issue of the inadequate recording of important treatment information (missing data) has been previously reported where the dosage, the route of administration, and the duration of treatment, coupled with illegible prescriber handwriting, were found to be common [39].…”

“…Therefore, to ensure the comprehensive documentation of data, harmonized electronic data recording is ideal for improving the accuracy, completeness, and overall data integrity since healthcare providers can easily input data directly and reduce errors. These data can also be accessed in real time to aid in decision making [38].…”

Community based household data collection in a post pandemic world-challenges and way forward

“…Face to face interview is an important part of the research design used to collect data where participants answer the questions in the presence of an enumerator. 1 Self-reported data is used in many fields of behavioural and health research. Research participation can be influenced by a variety of complex factors, which might cause individuals to respond differently in various interview settings.…”

“…Method of data collection plays a very crucial role in primary research and face to face interviews help in increasing the reliability and accuracy of the data. 1 Chances of discrepancy and information loss are less with the face to face interviews, however, just responding must not be considered an appropriate way but handling sensitive situations and questions is an activity which requires complex training and behavioural skills. 3 Moreover, face to face interviews offer more participation from different social demographic groups and hence increase the heterogeneity of the data.…”