
Survey Says Data Collection in the Field with Wireless Handhelds
Mission • The mission of the STOP AIDS Project is to prevent HIV transmission among all gay, bisexual and transgender men in San Francisco through collaborative and multicultural, community-based organizing.
Background • Paper-based surveying for 20 years • 3,000 respondents annually • Convenience sample • Data sent to SF Dept Public Health, UCSF, and Johns Hopkins. Previously CDC.
Surveying on paper • Responses sent to DPH for hand data entry. • Summary reports available up to 6 months later. • ASCII data analyzed in cryptic DOS application “EPI”.
New Database • Created custom Filemaker database • Web-accessible by respondents and staff • Hand entry by staff • Turn-around two weeks • Data exported to Dept. Public Health monthly, custom format
San Francisco WiFi • Proposed 2 years ago • Joint Google/Earthlink partnership • Approved by Public Utilities Commission • Board of Supervisors debating terms • Proposed alternative city-run network • SNAFU - “Antenna Free” law suit
ReForm • AnyWare Mobile Solutions (goanyware.com) • Design - Web-based survey design tool • Palm client - downloaded via the web to WiFi-enabled Palms • Forms - Reform Palm application used to download the survey forms to the Palms • Responses - uploaded to web immediately or when in range of WiFi • Data - Immediate via online reports, Excel or CSV export
Advantages • Easy design interface • No workstation software • Low monthly fee, discounts for nonprofits • Immediate reporting • Responsive support • Customization - branching logic; reasonable rates
Bonus • Cool Factor - “What you got there?” • Back Lit - for dark venues • Convenient - no paper, clipboards • Length - respondents can see only 1 question • Agency Visibility and Reputation • Tech and Programs in touch
Demo • Survey creation on web • Palm entry • Data reporting
Contact • Jamey Frank • Information Technology Manager • STOP AIDS Project • stopaids.org • jamey@stopaids.org • 415-575-0150 x222