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Improving Rural Healthcare in Mobile Clinics: Real-Time, Live Data Entry into the Electronic Medical Record Using a Satellite Internet Connection

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Listed:
  • Daniel Jackson Smith

    (School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
    Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Elizabeth Mizelle

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    College of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA)

  • Nina Ali

    (School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA)

  • Valery Cepeda

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    School of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Tonya Pearson

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA)

  • Kayla Crumbley

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Dayana Pimentel

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    School of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • Simón Herrera Suarez

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Kenneth Mueller

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Quyen Phan

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Erin P. Ferranti

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Lori A. Modly

    (Farmworker Family Health Program, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

Abstract

The Farmworker Family Health Program (FWFHP) annually supports 600 farmworkers in connectivity-challenged rural areas. Traditional paper-based data collection poses validity concerns, prompting a pilot of direct data entry using tablets and satellite internet to enhance efficiency. The purpose of this article is to describe, using the TIDier checklist, a real-time, live data-entry EMR intervention made possible by satellite internet. Utilizing a customized REDCap database, direct data entry occurred through tablets and satellite internet. Patients received a unique medical record number (MRN) at the mobile health clinic, with an interprofessional team providing care. Medication data, captured in REDCap before the mobile pharmacy visit, exhibited minimal defects at 6.9% of 319 prescriptions. To enhance data collection efficiency, strategies such as limiting free text variables and pre-selecting options were employed. Adequate infrastructure, including tablets with keyboards and barcode scanners, ensured seamless data capture. Wi-Fi extenders improved connectivity in open areas, while backup paper forms were crucial during connectivity disruptions. These practices contributed to enhanced data accuracy. Real-time data entry in connectivity-limited settings is viable. Replacing paper-based methods streamlines healthcare provision, allowing timely collection of occupational and environmental health metrics. The initiative stands as a scalable model for healthcare accessibility, addressing unique challenges in vulnerable communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Jackson Smith & Elizabeth Mizelle & Nina Ali & Valery Cepeda & Tonya Pearson & Kayla Crumbley & Dayana Pimentel & Simón Herrera Suarez & Kenneth Mueller & Quyen Phan & Erin P. Ferranti & Lori A, 2025. "Improving Rural Healthcare in Mobile Clinics: Real-Time, Live Data Entry into the Electronic Medical Record Using a Satellite Internet Connection," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:842-:d:1666108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lythreatis, Sophie & Singh, Sanjay Kumar & El-Kassar, Abdul-Nasser, 2022. "The digital divide: A review and future research agenda," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
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