Department

Data Science Department

Data Science Department Of Khrc

November 02, 2020 | Department | Reading time: 3 min

The Data Science Department at Kintampo Health Research Centre oversees the design and management of data collection systems, ensuring accuracy and consistency in data entry, verification, cleaning, and analysis of data. It develops comprehensive database management applications for both paper-based and digital data collection systems, generates essential project statistics, and maintains regular data backups to guarantee reliability.


In addition to data processing, the department manages the Centre’s ICT infrastructure, providing robust and cost-effective systems to align with operational processes. The department also handles the secure storage and retrieval of case report forms, using best practices to maintain confidentiality and facilitate efficient access to stored data.


The Data Science Department comprises three integrated units: Information Technology, Data Management, and Biostatistics. Together, these teams are dedicated to developing advanced solutions that enhance data collection, streamline workflows, and improve the overall efficiency of the Centre’s research initiatives.




The Biostatistics Unit
The biostatistics unit plays a vital role in the data processing value chain. It analyzes complex health findings from research studies conducted by the Centre. The unit's primary goal is to support the design, analysis, interpretation, and conclusion of research through advanced computer applications and strategies. The unit uses various statistical tools, including STATA, R, SPSS, Python, etc., to conduct its analyses. The unit also supports national health initiatives, analyzes demographic and health data, and assists Ghana Health Service staff with statistical analysis, contributing to better health outcomes in Ghana and beyond.


Data Collection and Processing
The Data Science Department has continued to expand its use of innovative technologies for efficient data collection, processing, and analysis. Building on existing systems, the department introduced several customized tools including:


ADVANCE Mobile Application: This app was developed to enhance communication between healthcare providers and pregnant women, improving pregnancy monitoring and facilitating communication in low-resource settings.


MALVAC Listings Application: This is a web-based application designed to help fieldworkers access the follow-up visit schedules for study participants, streamlining the coordination of study activities.


ARCHIVE Application: Developed to modernize the Centre’s archiving processes, this tool digitizes paper documents, transforming them into organized digital files that enhance efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.




ICT Support:
The Data Science department continues to innovate and expand its technological infrastructure, with key additions including:


Hyperfine MRI Scanner and Flywheel Platform: A portable, low-field imaging system that enables high-quality neuroimaging data collection, supported by Flywheel, a data management platform designed for biomedical research.


Nsroma GPS Tracker: Enhances real-time monitoring and navigation for field teams, improving data accuracy and coordination, especially in geographically distributed studies.


Hikvision Facial Recognition Device: This device utilizes AI-driven technology and high-res Software Server: An Ubuntu Server dedicated to software testing and integration, optimizing resource use while ensuring reliable performance for developing, testing, and deploying applications.


Data Capture Tools: The department developed several in-house applications to support data collection:


1.ANTPOST: This application facilitates near-real-time data collection on pregnant women, from pregnancy to one year post-delivery.


2.HDSS CAPTURE: This application is used by the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) team, this application includes advanced search functions and summary reporting features.


3.ADVANCE: This is a mobile application that improves communication between healthcare providers and pregnant women.


Contact Persons


Eliezer Ofori Odei-Lartey (Head)
Email: eliezer.lartey@kintampo-hrc.org

Elisha Adeniji (Deputy)
Email: elisha.adeniji@kintampo-hrc.org

Stephaney Gyaase (Head, Biostatistics)
Email: stephaney.gyaase@kintampo-hrc.org