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Cloud deployment of a public domain Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system creates cost-effective, scalable informatics solution for public health researchers
Electronic Data Capture (EDC) is an innovative information management model hallmarked by distributed data entry and centralized data management. Explosion of cloud architecture in recent years provides a unique opportunity for public health researchers to design EDC solutions that may previously have been infeasible due to prohibitive cost, absent IT infrastructure or geographic dispersion. This research describes a simple and convenient workflow to merge EDC and cloud technology into a public health informatics solution that can be used in a variety of program areas at various scales.
Methods:
Developers used widely accessible, public domain data management software and a large, trusted cloud provider to set up a web-based EDC system. A researcher designs, creates and publishes data structures and corresponding electronic forms to cloud infrastructure that has been configured by a cloud administrator. Once published, electronic forms can be accessed through a dedicated URL which pushes entered data into a database. A researcher can then pull generated datasets from the cloud and analyze them in real-time.
Outcomes:
Cloud implementation of a data management system enables rapid setup and cost savings due to the elimination of hardware, software or training procurement. Data are stored securely on a cloud server and managed by one administrator, streamlining both data security and data management.
Conclusions:
This workflow allows researchers with limited resources to rapidly and cost-effectively implement a sophisticated, highly scalable data infrastructure. EDC is of particular utility to multisite public health programs with geographically distributed data collection. The components used for this approach are widely available, require limited technical personnel and zero hardware investment.
Learning Areas:
Communication and informaticsPublic health or related research
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health
Learning Objectives:
Describe the workflow of a cloud-based electronic data capture system.
Formulate the elements and personnel necessary to rapidly deploy a cloud-based electronic data capture system.
Identify the advantages that a cloud-based electronic data capture system can provide public health researchers, particularly those that are geographically dispersed or have limited resources and IT infrastructure.
Keyword(s): Data Collection and Surveillance
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Ciara Zachary, is a public health researcher with experience in designing and conducting the evaluation of mental health services and injury prevention programs. Currently, Dr. Zachary works as a Senior Health Researcher in Econometrica’s Health Care Division, providing support as a project manager for the Indian Health Service Tribal Injury Prevention Agreement Program that works with 33 grantees in 9 IHS areas. Programs focus on motor vehicle safety, elder fall prevention and violence prevention.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.