In epidemiological studies, data can be entered using various methods. Manual entry involves inputting data by hand, usually into a spreadsheet or database. This method is prone to human error but can be cost-effective for small datasets. Automated entry, on the other hand, uses tools like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to scan and digitize data from paper forms. Electronic data capture (EDC) systems are increasingly popular, allowing for direct entry of data using mobile devices or computers, reducing the likelihood of errors and speeding up the process.
