Faster Data Capture, More Accuracy for University of Florida

Situation
The University of Florida's Department of Pediatrics consists of a dynamic and growing faculty dedicated to the highest quality patient care. It devotes research and educational activity to improving the health of Florida's children. The department's budget is equally derived from clinical activity and from funded research. UF research project director Katryne Lukens-Bull had previously created forms for research studies in Access software, a time-intensive process in itself that also required ongoing data checking, retaining reams of paper data capture forms, and regular data "cleaning" to assure the most reliable analysis. As proficient as Ms. Lukens-Bull was with Access, data capture form creation could take 80 hours or longer.

Application
UF's Department of Pediatrics deployed a FAST solution from GeoAge to add rapid form creation capabilities, but they got much more. Using FAST Designer's strength in form creation, the survey forms themselves can now be fully completed and deployed to the field within 1 to 2 hours. Once the data has been collected, GeoAge's FAST Xchange enables information to be distributed in a secure, reliable and real-time method...saving project time and multiple overnight shipment costs for each research project.

Results
"With more accurate data, we've noticed other advantages of speed," said Ms. Lukens-Bull. "We believe that identifying health problems quicker means that care for individuals is available quicker. We can also effect changes in statewide medical care much more expeditiously." The University of Florida has taken the step of significantly improving the speed and accuracy of a critical step in its research process. With FAST Designer and FAST Xchange from GeoAge, at least two weeks has been gained on critical health research studies along with improved study accuracy.