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Ease of Implementation Technology Description LAN = local area network; WAN = wide-area network; VPN = virtual private network; PDA = personal digital assistant. Easier to implement Notebook computer A portable computer that is operated by using a keyboard. Traditional notebook computers now over- lap with tablet PCs (described below). A tablet PC can be operated as a notebook. Most notebook computers do not support touch screens and cannot be configured so that the screen is accessible when flat against the body of the computer Thick client A system that operates with part of the software loaded on the workstation and that is continuously in contact with the data repository Internet-based system A system run over the open Internet (also referred to as the Web or World Wide Web) as opposed to over a dedicated LAN or WAN. Security measures can be applied to the data transferred between 2 points in the system (such as with encryption or by creating a VPN) to markedly improve the safety of data passed across these systems Browser-based system A system wherein the screens are loaded into the workstation’s Internet browser as needed from a central server. Information is returned to the server at a later time (seconds, minutes, or days later, depending on how the system is used). The workstation and the server only communicate with each other through “requests” from the workstation (ie, clicking the Submit button). These systems are considered “stateless” in that they only intermittently connect the server and the workstation PDA A small handheld computer that can be easily carried, that typically has an instant-on feature, and that provides rapid access to data, software, and data input systems. These computers typically operate independent of a network or the Internet, although wireless connectivity is becoming more common. The most common operating systems within the United States are Palm OS (PalmSource, Sunnyvale, Calif) and Pocket PC (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, Wash) More difficult to implement Tablet PC A computer that, like a PDA, is operated by using a touch screen but that has a larger screen and often greater computer power. Currently, tablet PCs—with or without built-in keyboards—operate on a full version of Microsoft’s Windows XP and may contain relatively large hard drives. These computers are often operated over a wireless network, but may operate independently. Tablet PCs are configured so that the screen may be used and viewed while flat against the body of the computer, much like a tablet of paper Issue Technology Network Distribution Capability* Connectivity Across Multiple Systems Continuity or Longitudinal Data Ease of Development Symbols indicate if, for addressing a given issue, the technology is strongly recommended (++), is recommended (+), is neutral/carries no recommendation (+/−), may work (−), or is not recommended (− −). PDA = personal digital assistant. * Based on mining data from more than 1 system. Data mining might be more feasible is only a single system is used. Mining existing data sources +/− − − ++ − − * Tablet PCs +/− + +/− ++ Thick client − − − − + +/− Browser-based system ++ ++ + ++ Internet-based system ++ ++ + ++ PDA ++ + − +/− Notebook computer − − − − ++ - Table 3.
Selected Technical Issues to Consider When Developing an Electronic Data Collection System
Issue Technology PDA = personal digital assistant; SSL = Secure Sockets Layer; VPN = virtual private network; ASP = Active Server pages; PBRN = practice-based research network; LAN = local area network; WAN = wide-area network. What hardware will you be using? Workstation or desktop computer in office PDA supplied by the network PDA supplied by the clinician Pen-tablet computer Slate Convertible Web server for hosting data forms Does it have a security certificate to run SSL? Web server for synchronization (does not have to be a separate server) Does it have a security certificate to run SSL? Database server Application server (could be the database server or the Web server in a minimal configuration) What software will you be using? Operating system for the Web server(s) Windows Linux Unix Web services software (IIS, Apache, others) Security SSL with certificates VPN Development software ASP .NET Visual Basic/C++ Power Builder ColdFusion and others One of many PDA development systems One of many Web survey tools Third-party controls for specific activities One of several database systems Network and workstation issues Who has administrative rights to office workstations? Who administers the fire wall for the PBRN and/or its service provider? Who administers the fire wall for each practice in the network? What types of networks and connectivity are in each practice? Broadband Dial-up modem Wireless within office LAN WAN Personnel issues Who will develop the data collection forms? Who will manage the database, including security and fail-safe mechanisms? Who will train practice staff and clinicians to use the system? What level of support for the system is required? 24 hours per day, 7 days per week 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday Less-intense support Replacement issues Who will pay to replace equipment as it ages? Central hardware and software Practice-level hardware
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