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Losing data can be catastrophic to a clinical or field study. Data collection is the
means to a higher end. We rely on data to measure and evaluate a project, develop a
new treatment or make decisions that can improve the lives of others.
Replacing paper forms with electronic data capture allows us to take higher
precautions with our data. Data collected digitally can be instantly validated,
analyzed and provided to stakeholders.
One of the concerns that researchers have when considering replacing paper
questionnaires with a digital tool is, will it work anywhere, even if there is no
internet connection? The answer is yes, but please don’t skip this guide as there are
significant limitations to that initial answer that could affect the integrity of your
data operations.
Platforms like the ones described in the first chapter of this guide 7 Mobile Data
Collection Apps for Field Research will allow you to store data without a connection
and then upload it to a server.
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To mitigate the risk of data loss, synchronize your data as soon as possible. Establish
a standard operating procedure (SOP) with your field team and minimize the risk of
offline data being lost by scheduling periodical moments when data will be
synchronized with your server.
App developers will periodically provide updates of an app. This can be to fix bugs or
release a new feature. Some apps will delete local data when an update is installed.
Make sure you read the release notes of your data collection app to see if data must
be synchronized before updating.
Teamscope Reminder
At Teamscope we work hard in improving our platform. We are regularly releasing
new versions of our Android and iOS app. When installed an app update, offline data
will not be lost. Deleting our app though will permanently delete any data that you
have stored, including offline data entries.
Check what is the fastest connection available around you. You can download the
Speed Test app on your mobile device and see what is your fastest connection
available.
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If your team will be working mostly in an offline setting it’s best that you don’t
implement notifications that will require them to take urgent actions.
Conclusions
Regardless if your are conducting a clinical study in a remote village in Kenya or in a
hospital in the Netherlands you are not assured to have a stable internet connection
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at all moments. This is why our platform has been offline-first since day one,
hundreds of researchers collect offline data everyday around the world using that
functionality of our Android and iOS applications. We are continuously looking for
ways to help you work seamlessly without the need for internet and we are happy
to hear from you on how we can further improve this feature.
Data
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