Safety first: Collecting data and protecting people in a global pandemic [Panel discussion]

In a time when critical data is needed more than ever, how can technological innovations and new methodologies be deployed to more safely collect data that protects people and sustains high-impact projects?

In this panel discussion, we engaged with global leaders in research, international development, and technology on innovative approaches for safely collecting data and sustaining high-impact work, in response to challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. These approaches include safer methods of in-person data collection (e.g., remote training and device management), remote data collection methods (e.g., phone surveys, SMS, online surveys), and opportunities for collaboration and peer learning.

With diverse perspectives from practitioners in field research, the donor community, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, the panel presented a wide-ranging view of adapting data collection for the present and the future. The following individuals were featured panelists in the discussion:

• Davis Adieno, Director of Programs, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD)
• Taylor Braun-Dorrell, Digital Technology Program Specialist, U.S. Global Development Lab, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Maria Ruth Jones, Survey Specialist, Development Impact Evaluation Group, World Bank Group (WBG)
• Tithee Mukhopadhyay, Associate Director of Research, the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia
• Lindsey Shaughnessy, Associate Director, Global Research and Data Support, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

This panel discussion was held under the auspices of the Safe People + Data Initiative, which provides methodologies and resources for safer data collection, in response to the growing need for safety-focused innovation. The initiative is led by Dobility with generous support from its many partners and users on the ground in over 165 countries. 

Panelist presentations

• Overview of panelists and key resources
• Maria Ruth Jones, World Bank Group (WBG)
• Tithee Mukhopadhyay, the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia
• Lindsey Shaughnessy, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)
• Answers to questions from the Q&A session

SurveyCTO resources

• Webinar on decentralized data collection with SurveyCTO
• SurveyCTO computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) starter kit
• Video overview of SurveyCTO Collect call management capabilities

Resources from panelists:

• IPA Research for Effective Covid-19 Responses (RECOVR) Hub 
• IPA GitHub
• Answers to frequently asked questions about IRB and IPA’s policies on phone surveys 
• USAID guide for adopting remote monitoring approaches during COVID-19
• USAID’s Digital Strategy
• USAID guide on digital data collection in the context of COVID-19 and development 
• Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data 
• DIME Wiki

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