Electronic data capture in a resource constrained enviroment : A case study of Abuja Heart Study

Electronic Data Capture in a Resource Constrained Environment: A Case Study of Abuja Heart Study Electronic data capture, owing to its promise to expedite accurate data collection and management, is increasingly replacing paper data capture as a more efficient means of capturing data. However, in Africa, where data collection is notoriously inaccurate, there is an increased need to ensure precision, maintain confidentiality and build capacity with minimal training. Description: The advent of mobile phone use increased access to data in recent years and the tremendous value this technology brings to clinical settings in Africa is apparent. The team of the Abuja Heart Study employed an open- source electronic data capture system for data management and collection in five clinical settings surrounding Abuja. Laptops were used, which included a Datastick located with a mobile operator. With minimal training, data collection proved efficient and effective. Challenges: Little research has been conducted on the utilization of this technology as a more efficient means of data capture in Nigeria. The majority of the population in Africa is not connected to the internet, and 70% of internet traffic is routed outside Africa, low bandwidth leads to lower speed and poor quality connection. Therefore, employing such technology has been limited. Recommendations: Mobile technologies possess the potential to significantly change lives of people in developing areas who are burdened by limited resources. Utilizing this technology is imperative to improve data collection and transform challenges of limited resources into opportunity for high quality data collection and management.