Use of Digital Pens for Rapid Epidemiologic Data Collection During a Foodborne Outbreak Investigation.

Objective: Public health investigations require rapid assessment, response, and initiation of control measures. In 2012, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services used digital pens to rapidly acquire epidemiologic data during a gastrointestinal illness outbreak.

Methods: Menus were obtained and a standard questionnaire was administered to exposed persons using digital pens.