Using a mobile app and mobile workforce to validate data about emergency public health resources. Issue 7 (10th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, Anna Marie; Leung, Alison C; Saynisch, Olivia; Griffis, Heather; Hill, Shawndra; Hershey, John C; Becker, Lance B; Asch, David A; Seidman, Ariel; Merchant, Raina Martha
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 31:Issue 7(2014)
• Page Start: 545
• Page End: 548
• Publication Date: 2013-05-10
• Subjects: cardiac arrest -- research, methods; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2012-202095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Social media and mobile applications that allow people to work anywhere are changing the way people can contribute and collaborate. Objective: We sought to determine the feasibility of using mobile workforce technology to validate the locations of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), an emergency public health resource. Methods: We piloted the use of a mobile workforce application, to verify the location of 40 AEDs in Philadelphia county. AEDs were pre-identified in public locations for baseline data. The task of locating AEDs was posted online for a mobile workforce from October 2011 to January 2012. Participants were required to submit a mobile phone photo of AEDs and descriptions of the location. Results: Thirty-five of the 40 AEDs were identified within the study period. Most, 91% (32/35) of the submitted AED photo information was confirmed project baseline data. Participants also provided additional data such as business hours and other nearby AEDs. Conclusions: It is feasible to engage a mobile workforce to complete health research-related tasks. Participants were able to validate information about emergency public health resources.