Facilitating the nurse practitioner's research role: using a microcomputer for data entry in clinical settings

Data coding and entry can be a tedious and error-prone component of research. Statistical packages for a microcomputer are now available that enable the researcher to create data entry forms in a spread sheet format. In this article the use of software that can be used for data entry, manipulation, and analysis is discussed. In a practice setting these features are particularly useful, because the nurse practitioner can take the microcomputer to the clinical facility and enter data directly from client-provider interactions or from records. In clinical settings where client data are entered directly into a computer database as part of assessment and care giving, data can be downloaded onto this or similar programs for manipulation and analysis.