OBJECTIVES: The objective of this project was to create and test the acceptability and efficiency of a universal platform for an automated survey collector in order to develop and implement a rapid, interactive computer-based collection of patient data. METHODS: The mean age of the participants in this study was 52 (range 35-69). The Automated Survey Collector (ASC) tool was first developed to be used as a universal platform. Using qualitative analysis, this interactive data collection tool was then used for pilot testing a TabletPC in patients with limited computer experience. The study implemented the SF-12 Health Survey (SF-12) and Health Utilities Index (HUI) self-administered, quality of life questionnaires. Patients were given both computer and paper versions of the survey, in random order. Data on demographics and prior computer were also collected. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients enrolled, 73% were male, 55% had no employment and 82% had no previous computer experience. The qualitative analysis of the system acceptance showed that it can be successfully implemented. All patients stated that they prefer using ASC as a survey tool rather than the paper version, and that it was "easy to use". The majority of patients (96%) claimed that operating ASC "was not complicated at all" and 92% felt that it was "very easy to navigate through the program". In addition, time to complete the survey was respectively 28% and 6% shorter for the computer versions of HUI and SF-12. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot project showed that the development and implementation of a universal platform, the ASC, can have a successful implementation process on the basis of a TabletPC in a population with minimal computer experience. The TabletPC is being explored as a feasible alternative for effective data collection in clinical trials and engineering into the workflow at the point of service.