USE CASE
CommCare for Frontline Research
Collecting high-quality research data has traditionally been challenging, with paper-based methods leading to errors, time-consuming data cleaning, and delayed access to results. Yet the integrity of data collection directly impacts research validity, funding decisions, and scientific progress.
With CommCare, the world’s most evidence-based platform for digital data collection, researchers can design rigorous studies and generate reliable datasets that accelerate scientific discovery and impact.
Advance Your Frontline Research with CommCare
Create custom research protocols with our no-code app builder for robust data collection methods
Streamline field data collection with intelligent forms that eliminate errors, and capture multimedia
Get real-time access to your research data with reporting, and integration with statistical software
Ethical Data Collection, Powerful Analysis, Complete Security
Digital Solutions for Frontline Research
Rigorous research is essential for solving global development challenges, yet translating that research into scalable programs remains a critical hurdle. In this recorded webinar, research experts from the University of California, San Francisco and Yale School of Public Health share how digital tools like CommCare are helping overcome common barriers in frontline research and enabling greater impact.
Customers Using CommCare for Frontline Research
“The intuitive user interface makes it simple to train our team of community health workers, and the ability to incorporate decision-support protocols and branching logic within CommCare has allowed them to provide services with remote physician supervision typically reserved for more highly trained personnel.”
“CommCare is easy for our community health workers to use and works well for implementing science research by providing a real-world data tool. CommCare has helped us provide better feedback on health workers performance and improve our data quality.”
“We used CommCare for electronic data collection and monitoring in a large multi-site longitudinal study to evaluate the impact of HIV interventions in two US cities. Studies of this magnitude and complexity are always accompanied by challenges. Thanks to thoughtful input from the Dimagi team on the front end and the robustness and flexibility of the CommCare system, the development of data collection protocols to meet our needs were not part of those challenges.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of research studies can use CommCare?
CommCare is proven to be effective across the entire lifecycle of frontline research, right from observational studies and field data collection to experimental research, intervention research through to programmatic implementations at scale. While CommCare is commonly used for public health studies, it supports diverse data collection methods across disciplines such as agriculture, education and sanitation.
How does CommCare ensure data security for sensitive research?
With CommCare, your data is always encrypted and stored in a HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC2 compliant environment. Tighten security further with roles-based data access, data de-identification, two-factor authentication, and more. CommCare is also 21 CFR Part 11-ready.
Can CommCare work in remote field settings with limited connectivity?
Yes, CommCare is designed with an offline-first approach. Research teams can collect data without internet connectivity, and data automatically syncs when connectivity is available. This makes CommCare ideal for studies in remote or resource-constrained environments.
How does CommCare handle longitudinal data collection?
CommCare’s case management functionality allows researchers to track study participants over time, linking all data points to the same individual or entity across multiple visits or interactions. This creates a comprehensive longitudinal record while maintaining data integrity across all field data collection activities.
Can CommCare integrate with other research tools and software?
Yes, CommCare offers robust integration capabilities with statistical analysis tools. The platform seamlessly integrates with your existing systems and tools, ensuring a smooth transition and workflow efficiency. Link your CommCare data with Excel dashboards and refresh it automatically on a custom schedule. Maintain a seamless data connection between CommCare and both Tableau and PowerBI via our 1-click OData integration.
How does CommCare help ensure data quality?
Research teams use CommCare to ensure they have high-quality, valuable data throughout their studies. CommCare ensures quality data at the point of entry, and gives you tools to securely and efficiently manage, clean, analyze, report and share data.
Is CommCare suitable for multi-site or international research?
Yes, universities and institutions around the world use CommCare. Universities and institutions that use CommCare include ACIAR, AMREF, BRAC, Boston University, Duke University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, ICAP at Columbia University, KEMRI, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), UCSD, UCSF and UNC.
Does CommCare have experience with grant applications?
Yes, several NIH-funded projects have used CommCare. We are happy to help our research partners with letters of support and other guidance or support during their application process.
Can CommCare be used in educational settings?
Yes, Dimagi has been fortunate to work with universities including Boston College, Boston University, Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, Notre Dame and the University of Turin amongst others to bring CommCare into their classrooms. It’s been integrated into a wide range of courses from Intro to Social Impact, through to sophisticated MPH courses on Designing and Implementing Global Digital Health Interventions.
How can I get started with CommCare for my research project?
You can sign up for a free CommCare account to explore the platform and begin designing your research application using the no-code builder. However, to access advanced features essential for research projects—such as data security compliance, role-based access controls, and integration capabilities—you’ll need to upgrade to one of our paid plans. Visit our CommCare Pricing page to compare available plans and select the one that best fits your research requirements. For complex research protocols, Dimagi also offers onboarding services and implementation support to ensure your study design is optimally translated into the digital application.
Ready to Learn More?
CommCare Research Grant Winner: Move Up Global
Learn from Move Up Global as they share how they’re turning adolescent health research into scalable, community-driven programs to support youth well-being.
Research-Validated Impact: CommCare’s Evidence Base
Discover CommCare’s robust evidence base, citing nearly 100 peer-reviewed studies including eight randomized controlled trials, that demonstrate its impact.
Research Tools for Every Budget
Explore CommCare’s research-ready pricing plans to find the right software subscription plan to power your field data collection and frontline research programs.