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EPI 218 REDCap: Basic functions, advantages, and limitations

EPI 218 REDCap: Basic functions, advantages, and limitations. Josh Senyak, Database Developer, Quicksilver Consulting 23 August 2012. Review: Advantages of MS Access. Fully relational Full control of software and data Advanced data validation

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EPI 218 REDCap: Basic functions, advantages, and limitations

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  1. EPI 218REDCap: Basic functions, advantages, and limitations Josh Senyak, Database Developer, Quicksilver Consulting 23 August 2012

  2. Review: Advantages of MS Access • Fully relational • Full control of software and data • Advanced data validation • Built-in tools for query, data manipulation, reporting, analysis • Transportable • Vast “ecosystem” of users, training materials, assistance, templates, etc.

  3. Review: Limitations of MS Access • Network rather than Internet • Advanced features require training • A full-featured application requires a competent developer • User is responsible for backups and security

  4. Introducing REDCap • REDCap=“Research Electronic Data Capture” • Developed at Vanderbilt University • Designed specifically for clinical research • Web-based infrastructure • A basic data collection tool is very fast and easy to set up

  5. The REDCap model • Deployed within a collaborative, international network (250 institutional partners, 20K end users reported) • Licensing is limited to non-commercial research • Available free to UCSF researchers through UCSF Academic Research Systems

  6. Advantages of REDCap • Web-based – data entry anywhere • Extremely easy to set up and manage • Back-up and security are managed by REDCap • No cost for institutional partners

  7. Limitations of REDCap • Not relational but flat file… • …lacks flexibility and power for subsidiary records, medication lists, lab results, etc. • Limited tools for data viewing, querying, manipulation, or analysis. • Limited data validation. • No advanced programming or custom features. • Rigid navigation (i.e., can’t view subject’s visits within a subform).

  8. Setting up a REDCap database • Set up database by online form OR by uploading a data dictionary • Data entry via “instruments” (=both table and form) • Relate data via “events” • Development status vs production status

  9. REDCap Lab • Create your own database (Infant Jaundice Study) – enter three subjects, five exams • Work with an existing database; export and analyze data

  10. REDCap Lab – things to notice • Ease of use (point, click, drag) • Searching for existing records is relatively difficult • Many tables, fields, forms are pre-designed for research use • Some vocabulary & concepts (“arms,” “events,” etc.) are REDCap-specific and take a little while to learn

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