Health Researchers Improve Field Work By Using Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

Tanzania suffers from social problems due to weak basic infrastructures and poor delivery of public health services. Health researchers who form the backbone of suitable health services are facing a multitude of problems in conducting their studies efficiently in rural areas of Africa. However, proper application of modern ICTs can improve researchers’ performance, says Dr. Hassan Mshinda, the Director of Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre – IHRDC (www.ihrdc.org). IHRDC main focus is been generation of information for evidence-based policy planning and implementation.

Dr. Mshinda cites the application of modern PDAs as outstanding example of modern ICTs that empower health researchers. The PDAs have increased efficiency by reducing survey time and enhanced the quality of data. According to Silas Temu the IHRDC data manager, the PDAs in use are a product of a US based DEAPOC and uses the Microsoft programs with visual embedded computers.Dr. Mshinda says PDAs are a promising tool, particularly for surveys where most responses can be pre-coded, concluding that PDAs enable IHRDC to conduct more researches per year, deeper in rural areas and with less cost. Mr. Temu, the data manager concurs with his director and says PDAs simplify his duties and at the same time increase efficiency, accuracy, consistency and speed.

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By Mr. Aloyce Menda