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PDA use in Malaria Indicator Surveys

PDA use in Malaria Indicator Surveys. General aspects and experience from Mozambique. Albert Kilian. PDA use for data entry in large scale household surveys. Increasing popularity Rapid data availability Less steps >>> less errors Easier interim data quality check.

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PDA use in Malaria Indicator Surveys

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  1. PDA use in Malaria Indicator Surveys General aspects and experience from Mozambique Albert Kilian RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  2. PDA use for data entry in large scale household surveys • Increasing popularity • Rapid data availability • Less steps >>> less errors • Easier interim data quality check RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  3. PDA use for data entry in large scale household surveys • Requires time intensive preparations • Needs programming as each ques differs a bit • Needs more time for training and “getting used to” • IT expertise in the MIS team essential • A sound data back-up system needed However RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  4. Data entry Data Analysis Questionnaire • Requires • Unique IDs to link information • Data management • recoding • new variables • Determined by • what information we need for indicators • how we can best get this info in interview • Links the two • shorten time for entry • minimize errors • facilitate coding The role of data entry RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  5. Easy use Checks The role of data entry • Need to balance ease of use and complexity of checks and jumps • The more complex the more time needed before all bugs ironed out RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  6. The Elements of PDA use • Hardware (type of PDA) • Software for questionnaire • Programming • Training • Supervision & troubleshooting • Data storage, safety and backup RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  7. Experience from Mozambique • Used Palm PDAs (Tungsten E2) • Previous experience existed • Simple and robust • OS smaller, more storage, longer battery life • Used Pendragon Software • Can be used for Palm or Windows • Very flexible • Output is MS Access database • Had experienced programmer available (AED Satellife project, Boston) RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  8. Challenges Hardware-Software • PDAs • Delivery and clearing longer than expected leading to too few PDAs for training • Order PDAs at least three months in advance! • Programming • Last minute changes were needed in programming due to changes in questionnaire and undetected bugs • Allow at least 6 weeks for several cycles of testing and revision • Prepare questionnaire in time!!!! RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  9. Training in PDA use • First understand the questionnaire • Then the tool for data entry • If you can use a mobile phone you can use a PDA • But there are differences to paper (e.g. can’t easily look up a previous page) • Have detailed guide available with technical troubleshooting • Practice, practice, practice (also supervisors!!!) • Training needs more time than on paper RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  10. Agregado Familiar Pessoas visitas # AE # AF Prov Area Dis Casa PIDOM Rede Parasitologia • Quem dorme • …. • …. • …. • …. • Quadro AF Mg C • Carlos ……. • Maria…… × • Rosa……. × • ……… • ……… Pessoas elegivel Individual Mulheres visitas # AE # AF Prov Area Dis Idade CAP Reproducao TIP Febre criancas • Nascimentos • ……… • ……… • ……… • ……… Se vive em casa RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  11. Training in PDA use • Very useful: computer PDA simulator RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  12. Special role for supervisors • Ensure data entry by interviewers is correct • Make sure all PDAs are regularly charged • Synchronize PDA data on laptop (one per team) • Backup data on computer and at least one external source (CD, USB stick) • Need detailed guide and instructions for troubleshooting • Many good field supervisors need basic computer training!! RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  13. Special role for supervisors RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  14. Field use of PDAs • Close supervision particularly in first week • Have IT person on constant standby for problem solving (phone or field visit) • Need for back up hardware (charger, cables, PDA) • Initially check incoming data for gross problems in order to correct in time RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

  15. Summary for Mozambique • PDAs worked well and were a real help in providing good quality data, accelerating and facilitating analysis • However, setting up the systems took a lot more time and energy than anticipated RBM-MERG Malaria Indicator Training Workshop, 9th-12th September 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

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