Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the preferred method of data collection, paper or electronic for mothers completing a validated infant outcomes instrument, the United Kingdom Infant Questionnaire.
Methods: Mothers of children aged 0-12months were asked to complete the questionnaire in both paper and electronic formats. The mother was then given another form to select her preferred type of survey. Results: In all, 51 mothers participated; 35 (69%) preferred the electronic questionnaire, 11 (21%) preferred the paper version and 5 (10%) felt neither one was better. Comments included that electronic form was easier and it was better to save the trees.
Conclusion: Although the number was small, this study showed that electronic-based questionnaires were preferred by mothers of infants. With the progression of technology, electronic questionnaires could be considered a more efficient method for collecting important data, without loss due to patient or parent preferences.
Author affiliation: AECC University College, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
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