Online Program

289000
Using a mobile data capture system for chair-side patient data collection during global dental outreach programs


Sunday, November 3, 2013

Christopher Tung, M.A., Department of Global Outreach, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY
Rachel Hill, BA, MPH, Department of Global Outreach, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY
Alison Kurtz, MPH, Department of Global Outreach, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY
Amber Watters, DDS, MPH, Special Patient Care, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY
Issues: New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) conducts pediatric dental outreach programs for underserved populations in the United States and abroad. Traditional paper dental charts hindered the Global Outreach Department from effectively tracking patient outcomes over time, conducting efficient chart review for quality assurance, and performing timely and accurate billing. To minimize human error and time for data entry, NYUCD transitioned to a mobile data capture system (MDCS) for chair-side collection of patient information.

Description: In conjunction with a software developer, we designed a series of proprietary, web-based electronic forms tailored for providing comprehensive dental care to children in non-traditional settings. Tablet PCs are used to create a secure, closed wireless network in the field for data sharing between providers.

Lesson Learned: The MDCS was implemented in Manta, Ecuador, in October 2012 for 320 children. Pediatric dental providers had instant access to the diagnosis and treatment plan, and progress reports were generated daily. Remote technical support was imperative for initial rollout. The MDCS allowed for instant data reporting, secure storage of patient information, reduced paper waste by 60 percent, and saved 100 hours of manual data entry.

Recommendations: The MDCS must be piloted in a domestic outreach site to evaluate the efficiency of generating reports for billing. The electronic forms will allow for fast and efficient data collection for research purposes. The MDCS could be easily replicated in other dental schools, outreach programs in remote areas, and in school-based health center dental program settings.

Learning Areas:

Communication and informatics
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the benefits of using a mobile data capture system for pediatric oral health initiatives in the field

Keyword(s): Oral Health, Community-Based Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the primary person responsible for developing the mobile data capture system for use in NYUCD's global outreach programs. I led the transition from paper-based patient records to electronic records and I contributed to the electronic triage form design.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.