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JAMIA 2008;15:386-389 doi:10.1197/jamia.M2381
  • Original Investigation
  • Case Report

Reducing Errors from the Electronic Transcription of Data Collected on Paper Forms: A Research Data Case Study

  1. Monika M Wahia,b,
  2. David V Parksb,
  3. Robert C Skeatec,
  4. Steven B Goldind
  1. aDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
  2. bDepartment of Facilities and Academic Support for Technology, Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr., Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
  3. cNorth Central Blood Services, American Red Cross, St. Paul, MN
  4. dDepartment of Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
  1. Correspondence: Monika M. Wahi, MPH, Department of Facilities and Academic Support for Technology, Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, 4001 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613 (e-mail: <mwahi{at}byrdinstitute.org>)
  • Received 17 January 2007
  • Accepted 2 January 2008

Abstract

We conducted a reliability study comparing single data entry (SE) into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to entry using the existing forms (EF) feature of the Teleforms software system, in which optical character recognition is used to capture data off of paper forms designed in non-Teleforms software programs. We compared the transcription of data from multiple paper forms from over 100 research participants representing almost 20,000 data entry fields. Error rates for SE were significantly lower than those for EF, so we chose SE for data entry in our study. Data transcription strategies from paper to electronic format should be chosen based on evidence from formal evaluations, and their design should be contemplated during the paper forms development stage.

Footnotes

  • Supported by the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr., Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute.

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