RIVM Respondent Driven Sampling

The RIVM RDS Software helps researchers of the RIVM (the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and research partners with reaching target groups. Specifically target groups, which are often hard to approach and to study social networks. The survey has been designed especially for Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) research, where individuals are being asked to fill in an online survey and to forward the survey to their own contacts. RDS combines the snowball method (by using the social networks of the respondents to recruit close contacts) with a statistic model to create population estimations. For example how often certain risk factors, risky behavior or illnesses occur within a target group. The online method makes it possible to approach other target groups that cannot be reached with standard sampling techniques. The software is for example being used to reach men whom have intercourse with men (called MSM) to study their risk behavior and the spread of STD’s.

DTT has recently updated the solution with the following functionalities:

Implementing Two Factor Authentication in order to access the back-end
Various automated messages for bulk uploads of for example rewards and sending reminders automatically
Randomization function to research interventions
A bucket system to exclude participants early on
Diverse security upgrades in order to comply to the GDPR and OWASP guidelines
Front-end, such as changes in the recruitment pages

RIVM

Desirée Beaujean

"The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment) had the ""Tick bite"" app launched in April 2014. This app was initially developed for Android. With this app people can check what ticks are and how to correctly remove them (even without internet connection!). Starting from July 2014 the app will be available for iOS also. In the beginning we have spoken with a number of potential executors and we chose for DTT. What struck us was that from the very start DTT was very involved in the issue and the development of the app. The rates were reasonable and certainly played a role in choosing DTT. During our collaboration, we got to know Jeffrey and Dirk better. We emailed and called each other so often, we even noticed the urge to contact them when it wasn't even necessary. I think that says enough! In short, DTT has been a great partner to develop an app. They are reliable and always up for a joke. Great job!"