Appendix 3a–c. Close-up of REDCap data collection tool.

Appendix 3a. REDCap tool allows the data collector to enter records offline. Record ID number is displayed in the left column, and the user can see which of the five data collection instruments he/she is entering (highlighted in blue with red outlined box). In the right column, mandatory data points are highlighted with red text (*must provide value). Data entry points include free text, radio buttons, check boxes, and calculated data fields. Free text data entry fields are limited in number to provide the most usable structure to the overall dataset.

Appendix 3b. Under the Record Status Dashboard, a data collector is able to see, by identification number, all the records entered. The record identification (Record ID) number includes the date and time of surgery for ease of identifying a particular record (red box). Whether all data fields within a form are complete is indicated by the circles in the table, with the key being shown in the upper right of the page (blue box).

Appendix 3c. The REDCap software was modified so that in the absence of Internet connection (which is a common occurrence in low- and middle-income countries), the laptop will serve as the server and store patient data. Whenever an Internet connection is available, the user can press the upload data button indicated in the red box in the left column, at which point data are uploaded to the main server. If successful, the confirmation message “Data is uploaded successfully” is displayed.

Abbreviations: FAQ – frequently asked questions, ID – identification, MB – megabyte, REDCap – Research Electronic Data Capture, YOB – year of birth.