REDCap Design
REDCap is a browser-based, metadata-driven electronic data capture software and workflow methodology for designing research databases. It is widely used in the academic community and is arguably the most popular database for this use.
REDCap provides user-friendly, web-based case report forms, real-time data entry validation, audit trails, and the ability to set up a calendar to schedule and track critical study events such as physicals, participant visits, etc. Also, designated users can assign different levels of access for each member of the research team.
REDCap also provides a powerful tool for creating and managing surveys in your web browser. You can collect anonymous responses or track and identify responses from survey participants.
We are experts in designing REDCap databases to support studies from small, single investigator studies to large multisite, randomized longitudinal studies and surveys. We can help in the following areas.
Instrument Design and Implementation
Instruments (e.g. case report forms) are used to collect data throughout a study. However, the scope is more complex than merely collecting data that is germane to the study. Frequently, it is necessary to include (explicitly or implicitly) additional fields, which are necessary for the smooth administration of the study. Without having a thorough understanding of the data structure and usage, the instrument design may be inadequate leading to study delays and misinformation
Survey Creation
REDCap can create customized surveys that do not require participants to login and can be used for anonymous or personalized data collection. All completed surveys have a date and timestamp that can be included in reports. Additionally, the surveys can be deployed on smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices. A sleek interface can also be customized with logos and instructions, as well as configurable automated reminders for participants to complete the survey(s).
Longitudinal Study
A longitudinal study (or longitudinal survey) is a research design that involves repeated observations of the same variables (e.g, people) over short or long periods of time . It is often a type of observational study, although it can also be structured as a longitudinal randomized experiment.
REDCap has a built-in longitudinal data collection feature that makes designing and implementation of the study much easier to accomplish.
The study can be further enhanced by using the repeated measures feature, which allows for an instrument to be repeatedly collected during the same event.
Multi-Site Studies
REDCap is a web-based application that can be accessed from any computer through the internet, instead of having to be individually installed on each computer. This feature allows for an easy, yet secure method for setting up multi-center studies. Additional features allow data access to be restricted to each site and user within the site.
Custom Reports
REDCap has a fully customizable report module to help in data tracking, analysis, and reporting. When properly designed, the reports can make the burden of tracking and administration much easier and streamlined, thereby reducing valuable resources and saving money.