Comparison with other data collection methods
(go to Outline)
Some comparison of different data collection methods:| Rapid assessment | Surveillance | Survey |
|---|---|---|
| Often collects qualitative or semi-quantitative data | Collects quantitative data | Collects quantitative data |
| Collects wide variety of data | Collects limited data | Can collect wide variety of data |
| Collects data on convenience sample of people and facilities | Often tries to collect data on every case of illness | Usually collects data on sample of population |
| Collects data at a single point in time | Collects data over ongoing, prospective time period | Collects data at single point in time |
| Collects only data for numerator of prevalence and incidence rates; Denominator must come from separate source | Collects only data for numerator of incidence and prevalence rates; Denominator must come from separate source. | Collects data for numerator and denominator, allowing calculation of prevalence or incidence rates |
As you can see, some reasons for doing surveillance cannot be met by surveys or rapid assessment; for example, collection of surveillance data can, and should, be frequent enough so that rapid decisions can be made to redirect or revise programmes quickly.
