Data capture forms used to get information. How else could you capture data?
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Electronically
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Online form
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Using a PC/tablet in surgery
Data validation techniques
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Drop down menu
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Yes/No box
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Range check
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Radio button
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Format (date/number/currency)
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Length check
Digital copy will be scanned in. Scanner is an input device (used to input data into a computer). This would be used for verification of data. Meaning that the data in the database would be checked against the original data on the form (double checking).
A database is used to store data in a logical and ordered way (contacts on your phone). Each patient would have their own record, each individual aspect of data would be called a field, e.g. Name,
Address, Date of Birth, phone number, etc. Staff would use input devices to enter data onto the computer these would probably be a mouse, keyboard and scanner, but could also use a touch screen.

The data which is held must adhere to the Data Protection Act, there are 8 principles to the DPA. If the data is stolen it could be used for identity theft and then used to get money and goods.
These include
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used fairly and lawfully
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used for limited, specifically stated purposes
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used in a way that is adequate, relevant and not excessive
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accurate
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kept for no longer than is absolutely necessary
 handled according to people’s data protection rights
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kept safe and secure
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not transferred outside the European Economic Area without adequate protection
To keep the data safe they should also use firewalls which will stop hacking. A back-up is done so that if the computer system fails the data can be recovered. The back-up should be kept in a locked safe and should also be encrypted and password protected. Other possible solutions could be CD,
USB but most sensible would be cloud storage. They would have to consider if the supplier meets the requirements of Data Protection Act, there would also be a cost involved, normally a yearly subscription. Advantages would be automated back-ups, not have to buy extra hard drives when full up, access data anywhere.
Anti-virus software used to protect data from malicious attack from viruses, malware and Trojans.
Needs to be kept updated to make sure that it will always be able to deal with the most recent viruses. If the software was not updated automatically the computers could be left exposed to attacks.
Although patients will like this unless properly separated from the patients data the devices could carry viruses that could enter the surgeries computer system. There could also be a possible chance that someone could maliciously attack the computer system, for this reason the two systems should be kept separate.

Passwords should be made up of, upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters,.
They should not be some ones name or date of birth.
The USB security key gives you 2 step authentication, this means that there must be 2 forms of entry to get at the patients files, they must enter a password for the USB and then for the PC. So the doctor must carry the USB with them to have access to the laptop.
Having the same anti-virus options means that the laptop can safely be added to the surgery network without any fear of transferring a virus. This would allow the laptop to transfer updated records and also receive updated records. The laptop could be connected either by a cable or through the WiFi. The cable would be more secure, as WiFi can be more easily hacked if not encrypted properly.
System tools could be
The disk cleaner is a great windows tool which performs disk clean up operation. It basically finds and removes the temporary files, also empties the Recycle Bin, and detects and removes the files that are no longer needed
This reallocates files so that the file parts are stored together, this improves the computers performance.
Helps to detect any problems with the hardware on the computer.

What could be used to do this?
PC or a tablet
Advantages of electronic collection of data.
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Save time as admin staff will not have to do it
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Easier to read, handwriting is not always good
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More private, if done in private area
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More secure, could lose paper versions
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Less waste, paper forms would need to be securely disposed of.
Disadvantages
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Cost, equipment could be expensive
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Need to find private space as data must be safe.
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Training for staff
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Staff would need to check inputs
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Special software design to make sure data is feasible, will need data validation techniques to ensure this.
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No verification method.
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People with physical, visual impairments may not be able to use the system
Specialist input devices
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Large keyboard
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Brail keyboard
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Monitor with large text
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Wheelchair height

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Text message
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Email
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Speech
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Video (Skype, facetime)
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Paper forms
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Electronic forms
Forms would be used to enter data into the database either by staff of patients, this would have to set up so it is easy to use.
Sorts, this could include sorting the database alphabetically, age order etc.
Query is searching the database on more than 1 field and quite often sorted on 1 of the fields. E.g. find all males with the surname jones ordered by date of birth.
A report is a query or search presented in an easy to read format.
Risks could be
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Stolen from car
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Left somewhere

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Data has to be kept secure to meet Data Protection Act
Protection
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Username and password
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USB encryption key (2 step authentication)
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Firewall, to make sure the device cannot be hacked
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Automatic lock after a set time period.
Hardware
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Keyboard
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Mouse
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Monitor
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Printer
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Scanner
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Speakers
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Router
Software
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Database management
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Word processor (letters)
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Spreadsheet (finances)
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Desktop Publishing (flyers and posters)
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Web authoring (website)