Insights From ARCOS-V's Transition to Remote Data Collection During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Study

Date
2024
Authors
Henry, Nathan IN
Nair, Balakrishnan
Ranta, Anna
Krishnamurthi, Rita
Bhatia, Anjali
Feigin, Valery
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
S. Karger AG
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The ARCOS-V study, an epidemiological study on stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), faced the challenge of continuing data collection amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to describe the methodological changes and challenges encountered during the transition from paper-based methods to digital data collection for the ARCOS-V study, and to provide insights into the potential of using digital tools to transform epidemiological research. METHODS: The study adapted to remote data collection using REDCap and Zoom, involving daily health record reviews, direct data entry by trained researchers, and remote follow-up assessments. The process was secured with encryption and role-based access controls. The transition period was analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of the new approach. RESULTS: The digital transition allowed for uninterrupted monitoring of stroke and TIA cases during lockdowns. Using REDCap and Zoom improved data reach, accuracy, and security. However, it also revealed issues such as the potential for systematic data entry errors and the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive health information. CONCLUSION: The ARCOS-V study's digital transformation exemplifies the resilience of epidemiological research in the face of a global crisis. The successful adaptation to digital data collection methods highlights the potential benefits of such tools, particularly as we enter a new age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Description
Keywords
1109 Neurosciences , 1117 Public Health and Health Services , Epidemiology , 3202 Clinical sciences , 3209 Neurosciences , 4202 Epidemiology
Source
Neuroepidemiology, ISSN: 1423-0208 (Print); 1423-0208 (Online), S. Karger AG, 1-15. doi: 10.1159/000541368
Rights statement
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC) http://www.karger.com/Services/OpenAccessLicense). Usage and distribution for commercial purposes requires written permission.