Using a hand-held computer to collect data in an orthopedic outpatient clinic - A randomized trial of two survey methods

OBJECTIVES. In a randomized study, the authors examine how data can be coll ected at the point of care. Specifically, examining to what extent handheld computer data collection systems introduce bias or increase respondent dif ficulty. METHODS. Volunteers were randomized to 1 of 2 survey methods: the hand-held computer or a paper and pencil form of similar content. Differences betwee n group scale scores were compared using the Wilcoxon (rank sum) test. RESULTS. The hand-held computer system produced comparable scores to paper and pencil surveys. However, there was evidence of lower internal consisten cy reliability with the handheld computer. CONCLUSIONS. This study demonstrated the comparability of the hand-held com puter methodology to the payer and pencil methodology in obtaining survey i nformation in an ambulatory clinic. The hand-held computer method of survey data collection offers an alternative to paper methods when point-of-care administration is acceptable. Preliminary evidence shows that this method p roduces comparable results to paper forms.