Table 3 Summary of the advantages and disadvantages experienced using electronic data collection

Software

• Automated validation and skip logic capacity

• Time required to familiarise with new software

• Off-line data collection capacity

• Specialist technical help required to develop script for uploading data to server in the UK

• Training required to design and manage forms

Hardware

• Portability of electronic tablets Option to resize screen to enlarge text useful for data collection

• Issues with shipping devices and customs clearance for international deployment

• Increased risk of theft of tablets compared to paper forms

Costs

• Re-usability of electronic tablets following initial investment

• Cost of electronic tablets and accessories (covers, chargers, etc)

• Cost of software

• Cost of external support for technical aspects (scripting)

Field -based Training

• Data collectors enjoyed training and appreciated capacity building

• Training required to use devices

• Training required to use software for data collection

Security

• Data password protection on devices

Processing and cleaning

• Reduced need for processing and cleaning of data compared to paper forms

• Time required for inbuilding validations and skip patterns in the tool at development stage