An Electronic Data Capture Framework (ConnEDCt) for Global and Public Health Research: Design and Implementation

• DOI: 10.2196/18580
• Publication Date: 2020-08-13T14:31:44Z
• Authors: Caleb J Ruth; Samantha Lee Huey; Jesse T Krisher; Amy Fothergill; Bryan M Gannon; Camille Elyse Jones; Elizabeth Centeno...; Laura S Hackl; Susannah Colt; Julia Leigh Finke...; Saurabh Mehta
• Keywords: Electronic data capture; Data access

Background When we were unable to identify an electronic data capture (EDC) package that supported our requirements for clinical research in resource-limited regions, set out build own reusable EDC framework. We needed when offline, synchronize on demand, and enforce strict eligibility complex longitudinal protocols. Based previous experience, the geographical areas which conduct often have unreliable, slow internet access would make web-based platforms impractical. unwilling fall back paper-based as wanted other benefits of EDC. Therefore, decided software platform. In this paper, describe customizable framework highlight how used it ongoing surveillance programs, clinic-based cross-sectional studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) various settings India Ecuador. Objective This paper describes creation a mobile support protocols variety including clinical, surveillance, RCTs. Methods developed ConnEDCt, iOS devices personal computers, using Claris FileMaker storage. Results ConnEDCt was tested field trial contexts Ecuador continuously refined ease use optimization, specific user roles; simultaneous synchronization across multiple locations; randomization schemes informed consent processes; collecting diverse types (laboratory, growth measurements, sociodemographic, health history, dietary recall feeding practices, environmental exposures, biological specimen collection). Conclusions is customizable, with regulatory-compliant security, synchronization, useful features collection study designs. Furthermore, friendly lowers risks errors entry because real time error checking protocol enforcement.