Prospective Data Collection

Sometimes the data is just not available...

Sometimes you need to collect patient care data that is not already available and cannot be obtained from existing records or through a survey. In this case, you need to create your own data collection form that can be used. You must:

• Train individuals to use the tool
• Make it feasible to use without interfering with other important work

Example

For example, if you wanted details related to the intubation of patients that were not consistently captured on the ambulance run report, you might create small cards that captured the specific data elements you are interested in and leave drop boxes for the cards at each of the ambulance stations.

If you needed detailed information on the daily vital signs of patients in the intensive care unit, then you need to train nurses to capture this information each day for all participating patients and include this information on a special form in the patient's chart.

Return to Assess Available Methods

rev. 15-Jul-2006