Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116644

Cynthia Holland, BA, Michael Keyes, BS, and Anthony Snow. School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, 3601 Fifth Ave., 454 Falk Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, 412-647-4297, cyh2@pitt.edu

Automated and resourceful clinical data collection methods can be utilized to improve the quality of services provided to patients. Innovative methods such as the use of Teleform©, hand-held personal digital assistants (PDAs), and tablet personal computers are currently being utilized in Pennsylvania to collect patient data in clinical settings. The SBIRT project (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment), has been implemented in various types of medical settings: a neighborhood family clinic, general family practices, and emergency rooms. The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Data Coordinating Center has developed technology that includes a software application for both PDAs and tablet PCs and, an existing software entitled Teleform©. Each one of these methods allows for easier data collection and submission, as well as the reduction of administrative burden placed on busy clinical staff. The PDA and tablet software application includes the ability for generalist sites to submit data immediately, allowing for more real-time data collection and reporting. The data collection technology reduces data collection errors caused by hand-writing by utilizing a validation system to prevent invalid, missing, or incomplete data. Collected data includes substance abuse screening tools and the Center for Substance Abuse and Treatment (CSAT) required GPRA (Government Performance Results Act, 1993) data.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of innovative data collection methods to improve the quality of services provided to patients.
• Discuss future applications of such data collection models.
• Apply knowledge gained to other research or interest areas.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.