Impact of Survey Methods on Data Quality: Perspective from a survey about the use of smart lockers in medication distribution for chronic diseases. (Preprint)

Abstract

The data collection method is crucial in research processes and, therefore, should be designed to achieve the aims and objectives of the research. However, different data collection methods have their benefits and limitations. It is, therefore, imperative to choose the best method of data collection that will be adaptable to the research. It is also important to ensure that the data collection method selected and the data collection tool designed take cognizance of the intended respondents’ ability to use the data collection tool. The paper-based questionnaire has been a traditional data collection method in surveys, while the web-based survey is a more recent development. This study compares the quality of data collected through paper-based survey with the quality of data obtained by web-based survey.

This study aims to compare the quality of data collected through paper-based questionnaires with web-based questionnaires in research that examines the acceptance of smart lockers in medication distribution for chronic diseases.

Using a cross-sectional research design, we collected data from healthcare workers providing chronic care and patients with chronic disease through web-based and paper-based methods. We asked participants about the perceived benefits of using smart lockers to dispense chronic care medication.

The web-based data collection method was found to have minimal errors compared to the paper-based data collection tool. However, the paper-based data collection tool generated more responses and had less delay in responses.

The advent of internet-enabled mobile phones and other devices has garnered wide acceptance for web-based surveys. However, the reality posed by the absence of technological advancement in remote areas and unreliable internet connectivity in many regions were found to be reason for individuals in those locations to prefer responding to paper-based questionnaires. Thus, there is still a preference for paper-based surveys among the majority of respondents.