The Global Health Data Toolkit Working Group was established in 2011 with University of Washington students and faculty with the aim of creating a high quality, detailed repository of data collection forms. GHDT is supported by the Global Center for Integrated Health of Women, Children and Adolescents (Global WACh), UW/Fred Hutch Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) eHealth Scientific Working Groups, and student, staff, and faculty volunteers.
Why was GHDT formed?
The group strives to develop standards in data collection instruments, as well as database design and structure. GHDT uses group-think from an experienced team to fully vet survey and data collection questions, which helps avoid common mistakes when tools are developed quickly or problems are repeated when historical tools are used again. Tools generated by GHDT can be used to expedite development and implementation of data collection efforts. In addition, using a common set of tools across research projects enables researchers to readily share and merge datasets, due to common variable, question, and response structure. Historically, the group was developing tools for use in Kenya and other parts of Africa; some tools reflect this target population. However, over time the group has broadened to develop tools that could be used more broadly.
What does GHDT do?
- Develops tools (surveys and databases) on topics that can then be shared for others to use, allowing researchers to pick and choose selected questions relevant for their study. Selected tools have accompanying REDcap and/or Open Data Kit (ODK) databases
- Promotes best practices in survey and database design
- Develops rules on variable naming conventions and coded responses in databases, and applies these rules to tools generated by the group
Who is in GHDT, when do they meet, and can I join?
The group is co-led by UW faculty members in the Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, Dr. Alison Drake, PhD, MPH and Dr. Brandon Guthrie, PhD, MPH. GHDT is composed of a group of volunteers who meet 1-2 times per month to review data collection instruments and develop a set of survey questions/responses on specific topics. While meetings can be used to aid in developing instruments on a specific topic for a study, the group uses the meeting to think broadly about the range and type of questions/data researchers may be interested in collecting. Group members have experience working with data, recognize limitations and problems in surveys previously used, and are enthusiastic about making better instruments. Periodically we solicit for new members, please contact GHDT leaders at adrake2@uw.edu or brguth@uw.edu for more information.