Title:

Digital Datum Study

Introduction:

Field study research plays an important role in determining the effect of any given intervention e.g. how a smartphone app may assist in diabetes patient self-management, or how a new medication may help to alleviate pain etc. Collecting data during research is a core activity, as such data points help to measure the success or failure of a given intervention. 

This review examines the use of data collection tools in low- and middle-income countries for Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). It evaluates the tools based on the Mobile Survey Tool (MST) evaluation framework, considering factors such as functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, and cost-benefit. The search will be conducted in electronic databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE) and only RCTs conducted in low- and middle-income countries that mention a health-related data collection tool will be included. The PRISMA tool will be used for the systematic review. Two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts for inclusion. The data will be analysed using a narrative synthesis approach. 

The aim of this research is to generate a Data Collection Tool Checklist (DCTC) for all researchers when selecting a suitable data collection tool to conduct research in low- and middle-income countries. Such an approach will assist the research team to be better prepared before undertaking future research studies.

Registrations:

A Systematic Review Investigating the Characteristics of Health-related Data Collection Tools Used in Randomised Controlled Trials in Low- and Middle- Income Countries. Prospero: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=405738

Publications:

Title: “Investigating the characteristics of health-related data collection tools used in randomised controlled trials in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review“ https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077148

Team members:

Noor Al-Shamaa,

Rithvik Karthikeyan,

Eve Kelly,

Prof. Frances Shiely,

Dr Patrick Henn,

Prof. Titus Divala,

Dr Kayode Philip Fadahunsi,

Dr John O’Donoghue.