ODK como mHealth para la investigación en Salud

Abstract

Health research involves active and constant processes of collection, validation and protection of personal data of patients. These processes are fundamental to ensure, in principle, the obtaining of reliable conclusions from the investigative processes, as well as for the construction of a responsible investigation with the rights of its participants. For the unification of criteria in this topic, transnational organizations have emerged whose purpose is the issuance of guidelines on good practices in data management that ensure the quality and scientific and ethical soundness of health studies. In many investigations data collection is still done on paper; some others implement technologies considered obsolete today. Currently there are free technologies with potential for data collection that are supported by recognized technology companies and supported by online communities that contribute to their growth. This is the case of Open Data Kit, which also does not require training in application development. This technology would allow the collection and processing of data in a secure way by mobile devices, allowing researchers to have a fast, free and reliable tool. Aspects such as security, the structure of the data required for further statistical analysis and the confidentiality of information are taken into account by this technology, promoting its incorporation into medical research in a prompt manner. This document aims to provide necessary concepts for decision making on the incorporation of Open Data Kit as a mHealth technology starting from the global panorama to the special considerations required for health research projects.