Table 1 Essential requirements for electronic data collection

Internet

• Usable off-line

• Data can be stored securely until checked for completeness

• Able to be uploaded to server

Platform

• Can be used on electronic tablets to facilitate viewing multiple questions at same time

Question types

• Tick box

• Number box

• Short free text

• Date

• Likert scale

• GPS location capture

Design features

• Skip logic & answer validation

• Ease of design – Graphical user interface

• Potential to create sub-forms within a tool

• Ease of deployment

System features

Able to facilitate:

• Large number of uploads (> 15,000/annum)

• > 500 questions /form

Data analysis

• Data exportable to Excel/SPSS

Support

• Support for staff

• Training

Cost

• Not significantly more than existing paper-based option