Table 2 Summary of electronic data collection platforms considered for use in EN-INDEPTH study
From: Electronic data collection in a multi-site population-based survey: EN-INDEPTH study
Platform/software | Site’s tablet availability and software use experience | Implications for use in EN-INDEPTH | Conclusion based on study pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
CSPro, Windows OS version | • No Windows OS-based tablets available at site • None of the sites have had experience using CSPro (Windows OS version) data collection platform | • No licence purchasing required (free) • Used for data collection at 75–80% of all DHS countries • Allows to display complex tables, i.e. birth history rosters, on one screen • Mimics paper version of the questionnaire • Template for DHS VII available via collaborators • Requires Windows OS-based tablets that are more expensive than average Android-based tablet • Adaptation of the questionnaire for study requires strong coding skills and knowledge of ASCII language • Limited user support | • Major investment required in each site for hardware, software and training, not useful for sites afterwards • Major set up and annual running costs—not sustainable for the sites |
CSPro, Android OS version | • Limited number of Android OS-based tablets available • None of the sites have had experience using CSPro (Android OS version) data collection platform | • No licence purchasing required (free) • Template for DHS VII available via collaborators • Displays one question on a page • Does not support creation and displaying complex tables (i.e. rosters) • Adaptation of the questionnaire for study requires strong coding skills and knowledge of ASCII language • Limited user support | • Not functional for the birth-history questions required for EN INDEPTH survey • Would require in-house ASCII1 programmer (not available) |
Qualtrics data collection and management platform | • Limited number of Android OS-based tablets available • None of the sites have had experience using Qualtrics platform | • Multi-site licence costs start from ca. $5000/year • The software allows to display the birth history/fertility history questions in one table • Adaptation is straightforward • The basic package includes Research Suite (the survey builder) • Template for DHS VII available via collaborators • User support available | • Major set up and annual running costs—not sustainable for the sites |
Open Data Kit (ODK) | • Limited number of Android OS-based tablets available • Several EN-INDEPTH sites have some or limited experience using this platform for data collection • In-house ODK expertise available | • No licence purchasing required (free) • User support available, including user forum • Displays one question on a page • Does not support creation/displaying complex tables (i.e. rosters) • Adaptation of the questionnaire for study requires strong coding skills | • Questionnaire display not comparable to DHS questionnaires • Time consuming to programme • Not possible with per site headquarter/firewall |
Survey Solutions data collection and management platform | • Limited number of Android OS-based tablets available • None of the sites have had experience using Survey Solutions data collection and management platform | • No licence purchasing required (free) • Design of the questionnaire is done online in Designer • Possibility to test questionnaire using Tester app • Summary of data can be displayed (mimicking roster) using limited and restricted HTML code • Possibility to link questions to specific household members listed in the roster file • Administration of data collection via system’s “Headquarter” with integrated dashboards, survey administration, data exporting, monitoring and reporting tools • Live monitoring of data collection, including GPS maps2 and accept/rejection • Extensive online technical support available, including active user forum, and online video tutorials and manuals • Possibility to collect GPS data and survey para data • By default does not support creation and displaying complex tables (i.e. rosters) • No template for DHS VII available • Minimal technical and programming skills required for survey adaptation and survey coding | • Preferred solution by sites, LSHTM, and agreed by DHS experts as the best option for this study |