1. Designing data collection tools
Presenter : Dr. Karan Suneja (JR2)
Moderator: Dr. Shoebul Haque (SR)
Peer support : Dr C. Vignesh (JR2)
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
King George’s Medical University Lucknow, U.P., India
E-mail: drkarankgmu@gmail.com
3. Specific learning objectives
By the end of this teaching learning session audience will be able to :
• Define data and its collection
• Enumerate different tools for collection
• Enumerate components and testing methods
• Describe WHO data collection tools
4. Introduction
• Data word derived from ‘datum’
• Observable and measurable facts that provide information
about the phenomenon under study
• Data collection : process by which the researcher collect the
information needed to answer the research problems
6. Qualitative data
• Non-numerical and usually ordinal or nominal in nature
• Aims to address the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of study
• Includes focus groups discussions and in-depth interviews
https://images.app.goo.gl/THhBBArbrMnnK2F58
7. Quantitative data
• Numerical in nature and can be mathematically computed
• Divided into discrete and continuous
• Aims to address ‘how much, how often’ of the study
https://images.app.goo.gl/THhBBArbrMnnK2F58
8. Example of qualitative vs quantitative data
Data unit Numeric variable Quantitative
data
A person How many children
do you have?
2 children
How much do you
earn?
Rs.60,000 per
month
How many hours
do you work?
40 hours per
week
Data unit Categorical
variable
Qualitative
data
A person In which country
you were born?
India
What is your
occupation?
Teacher
Do you work full-
time or part-
time?
Full-time
9. Primary Data
• Data collected for the first time
• Collected directly from target population
• Example: market research and student thesis
https://images.app.goo.gl/uAHEDjQxmh7hVWdAA
10. Secondary Data
• Data collected through primary sources
• Easier to collect
• Eg: review articles, newsletters, WHO reports
https://images.app.goo.gl/uAHEDjQxmh7hVWdAA
11. Primary data Secondary data
Real time data Past data
Always specific to the
researcher needs
Not specific
Expensive Low cost
Excellent data quality Data quality not up to the mark
More time consuming Less time consuming
Capable of solving a specific
problem
Less capable
Advantages and disadvantages
12. Data collection tools
• Instruments or aids used for the purpose of collecting and recording the
data
• Depends on the type of research method
• Examples : Types of
method
Tools for data
collection
Questioning 1.Questionnaire
2. Visual analogue
scale
13. Different tools for collection of data
1. Abstraction form : Review of records
• Personal records
• Clinical records
• Surveillance records
• Registers
Patient’s diary in a clinical trial, where they note
their symptoms and medicine intake
Electronic health records of patient
Government reports on dengue cases in different regions
A cancer registry storing patient details, treatments, and survival rates
(NCRP)
14. De Angelis G, Cimon K, Sinclair A, et al. Monitoring for Atrial Fibrillation in Discharged Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack Patients: A Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis and Review of Patient Preferences [Internet]. Ottawa (ON):
Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2016 Mar. (CADTH Optimal Use Report, No. 5.2b.) Appendix 4, Data Abstraction Form — Clinical Review.Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK362764/
15. 2. Structured observation guide
• Used in documenting certain process and in depth interviews
• Checklist required such as texts and figures
Example: observation of healthcare centre for
TB services
TB screening
Lab tests
Anti-Tb treatment
Awareness
18. Key elements of data collection tools
Clarity of data obtained
Comphrensiveness of responses in terms of
categories
Constraints in responses of what information
could get collected
Context of questions
Utility of the instructions
Order of questions
19. Components of data collection tools
1.Introduction
Presentation
Objectives
Informed
consent
Concluding
statements
2.Identifiers
Actual
Coded
3.Instructions
General
Skip patterns
20. 4.Body of the
instrument
(questions)
Open item
open question open
answer
open question closed
answer
Closed item
dichotomous
multiple
option
single
answer
multiple
answers
quantitative
answer
Semi open
items
21. 1. An investigator wanted to study the clinical profile of patients presented with
foreign body in nose, attended in the emergency department in the last 2 years
in a hospital. Which of the following is the most suitable way to collect data?
Ans : Review of records
2. The options are not provided in which type of questions?
Ans: Open ended
3. In which type of questions other answers can be added?
Ans: Semi-open questions
4. Creation of continuous variables as responses is allowed in ?
Ans: Closed question
Questions
22. • Write short and precise questions
• Use simple words of every day language
• Avoid negatives and double negatives
• Ask only one question at the time
• Specificity
• Use of neutral tone to avoid influence
Formulating the questions
Eg : What is the effect of regular physiotherapy on
pain relief in patients with chronic sciatica?
Avoids unnecessary words while maintaining clarity
Common terms like "regular physiotherapy" and "pain relief"
instead of complex
No confusing phrases like "Does lack of physiotherapy increase
pain?"
Focuses only on the effect of physiotherapy on pain, not other
factors
Clearly defines the population (patients with chronic sciatica),
intervention (regular physiotherapy), and outcome (pain relief)
without bias.
23. Sorting the order of questions
• From simple to complicated
• General to specific
• Casual to intimate
• Group together questions on same topic
• Chronological order
• Identification questions at the beginning or end
• Simplifying complex questions
Eg: Patient Experience with Chronic Sciatica
Management
Do you currently take any medications for pain relief?
How effective do you find your current pain management
regimen in controlling your sciatica symptoms?
How long have you experienced sciatica symptoms?
What treatments have you tried for sciatica?
What is your average pain level on a scale of 1 to 10?
What strategies do you use to manage your pain?
Have you missed work due to sciatica pain?
How does sciatica pain affect your personal relationships or
emotional well-being?
When did you first notice your sciatica symptoms ?
How have your symptoms changed over time?
Original: How would you evaluate the effectiveness of various therapeutic
interventions on your quality of life and pain management, considering both
pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches?
Simplified: How do different treatments (like medications or physical therapy)
affect your pain and daily life?
What is your age?
What is your gender?
24. Laying out the data collection tool
• Created after sorting the order of questions
• Influences responses of participants
• Splitting of sections
• Whole page question
• Spacing between questions
25. • Usage of large fonts
• Alignment and numbering
• Standardize coding of response
• Auto- coding
Example :
26. Finalizing the data collection tool
• Checking the instrument against the objectives/analysis plan
• Reviewing of the data collection tool
• Language of the instrument
27. Pilot testing
• Check whether instrument is clear, understandable and acceptable
• Check flow and skip pattern
• Check pertinence of coding
• Estimate time needed
• Pilot test with a few volunteers
28. Designing of health research tool
Decide how to measure the concepts
Relate concepts to study design and objectives
Match the scale for measures chosen to analysis plan
Ensure reliability and validity of measures
Choose most appropriate method of data collection
Tailor the measures to the study participants
Decide how best to ask the actual questions
29. SCORE (survey, count,
optimize, review, enable)
RHIS (Routine health
information system)
STEPS WHO survey plus
WHO data
collection tools
30. Summary
• Most commonly 4 types of data i.e. primary, secondary, qualitative and quantitative
• Data collection tools are important for efficient management of data
• Main tools are abstract forms, structured observation and questionnaire
• Information obtained on basis of facts, knowledge and judgements
• Components are introduction, identifiers, instructions and body of instrument
• Pilot testing is critical for finalizing the data collection tool
31. References
• Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Epidemiology. Basic Course
in Biomedical Research Course Material. Chennai: ICMR-NIE,
https://nptel.ac.in/courses/127/106/127106134/
• Mehta, T. Designing data collection tools. Basic Course in Biomedical Research
Handbook. 1st edition 2021. Pg.248 – 267
• Tenny S, Brannan JM, Brannan GD. Qualitative Study. [Updated 2022 Sep 18]. In:
StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.Available
from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470395/
32. QUESTIONS
• What is data and data collection ?
• What are the main components ?
• Difference between qualitative vs quantitative data?
• What points are tested during pilot testing ?