Using a mobile app and mobile workforce to validate data about emergency public health resources

BACKGROUND: Social media and mobile applications that allow people to work anywhere are changing the way people can contribute and collaborate. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the feasibility of using mobile workforce technology to validate the locations of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), an emergency public health resource. METHODS: We piloted the use of a mobile workforce application, to verify the location of 40 AEDs in Philadelphia county. AEDs were pre-identified in public locations for baseline data. The task of locating AEDs was posted online for a mobile workforce from October 2011 to January 2012. Participants were required to submit a mobile phone photo of AEDs and descriptions of the location. RESULTS: Thirty-five of the 40 AEDs were identified within the study period. Most, 91% (32/35) of the submitted AED photo information was confirmed project baseline data. Participants also provided additional data such as business hours and other nearby AEDs. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to engage a mobile workforce to complete health research-related tasks. Participants were able to validate information about emergency public health resources.