Data Collection Questions
1 What are the five guiding questions in the data collection process?
• What data will be collected?
• How will the data be collected?
• Who will collect the data?
• Where will the data be collected?
• When will the data be collected?
2 Purposes of data collection in EBP.
• Identify problems or needs.
• Support decision-making.
• Evaluate outcomes.
• Monitor quality improvement.
3 Best practices in data collection.
• Be systematic.
• Ensure validity and reliability.
• Protect confidentiality.
• Document thoroughly.
3. Types of data in EBP.
• Quantitative: Numbers (BP, rates).
• Qualitative: Words (interviews).
• Mixed Methods: Combination of both.
4 List the hierarchy of evidence levels (I–VII).
• Level I – Systematic reviews / meta-analysis of RCTs
• Level II – Well-designed RCTs
• Level III – Controlled trials without randomization
• Level IV – Case-control & cohort studies
• Level V – Systematic reviews of qualitative/descriptive studies
• Level VI – Single qualitative/descriptive studies
• Level VII – Expert opinions
5 Strongest evidence: features of Systematic Reviews.
• Comprehensive search.
• Critical appraisal of studies.
• Synthesis of results.
• Answers a specific clinical question.
6 Features of Meta‑Analysis.
• Combines results statistically.
• Summarizes all available evidence.
• Increases accuracy.
• Produces stronger conclusions than single studies.
7 Key features of Randomized Controlled Trials.
• Random assignment.
• Control group for comparison.
• Prospective design.
• High internal validity.
• Reduces bias.
8. Features of Cohort Studies.
• Observational.
• Prospective or retrospective.
• Compares exposed vs non-exposed.
• Shows associations, not causation.
• Useful for risk factors & prognosis.
9. Features of Case‑Control Studies.
• Retrospective.
• Compares cases vs controls.
• Good for rare diseases.
• Shows association.
• Cannot measure incidence.
10. Features of Case Report / Case Series.
• Data from one or few patients.
• No control group.
• Quick & useful for new conditions.
• Lowest evidence level.
11. Advantages of using existing instruments.
• Saves time.
• Supports replication.
• Allows comparison between studies.
12. Factors to consider when using existing instruments.
• Resources
• Availability & familiarity
• Appropriateness for population
• Norms
• Administration issues
• Reputation
13. Types of data collection tools.
• Physiological measurement
• Structured self-report instruments
• Structured observation
14 Examples of Physiological Measurements.
• Blood pressure
• ECG
• Blood glucose meter
15 Advantages & disadvantages of physiological measures.
• Advantages:
• Objective
• Accurate
• Sensitive
• Disadvantages:
• Requires calibration
• Needs training
• Sometimes invasive
16. Advantages of Questionnaires.
• Large samples
• Low cost
• Time to think before answering
17 Disadvantages of Questionnaires.
• Dishonesty
• Misunderstanding questions
• Low response rate
18. Advantages of Interviews.
• Flexible
• Can clarify questions
• Rich data
19. Disadvantages of Interviews.
• Time-consuming
• Costly
• Interviewer bias
20. Features of Structured Observation.
• Systematic recording
• Uses checklist
• Realistic and direct data
• Requires trained observers
• Hawthorne effect risk
21. Primary data collection methods.
• Questionnaire
• Interview
• Observation
• Physiological measurement
• Cohort studies
• Clinical trials
22. Secondary data collection sources.
• Medical records
• Government databases
• Systematic reviews
• Guidelines
• Patient education materials
• Clinical notes