REDCapResearch Electronic Data Capture
Amy WahlquistFebruary12, 2014
Getting Started
https://redcap.musc.eduLogin withNetIDand passwordWelcome screenHomeMy Projects – list of all projects you currently have access toCreate New ProjectTraining Resources – videosHelp and FAQSend-It – Secure data transfer application
Creating a new database
Project titlePurposeIf you choose research, then you need PI name, IRB number, type of researchNone is required, but helpful to have all informationIf you choose other, then give descriptionStart project from scratch or begin with template?If beginning with a template, cannot “go back” and will have to make all changes manually – by enabling options you want to addTemplates availableBasic DemographyClassic DatabaseHuman Cancer TissueBiobankLongitudinal Database (1 or 2 arms)Multiple Surveys (classic or longitudinal)Project Tracking DatabaseRandomized Clinical TrialSingle Survey
Database Information
Project HomeQuick Tasks - Check data quality (once data is collected)Current usersProject statisticsProject SetupProject statusMain project settings – change title/purpose and make customizations**Design data collection instruments – data dictionary**Optional modules and customizations/user rightsChange status/draft modeOther FunctionalityCopy/delete/erase/archive databaseProject Revision HistoryMenu (on left)DatacollectionApplicationsReportsHelp
Creating Forms
From template – some forms created automaticallyCan modify/rename/delete/reorder**1stvariable on 1stform is the unique identifier for database**Add forms/variables as neededVariable names must be unique – not case sensitiveVariable labels can be reused (not always recommended)
Field Types
Text boxUsed for all “free” entry including strings,numerics, datesNotes box – no validation available, bad for analysisCalculated fieldMust provide equation for calculationUse previously defined variables or constants – this can be from other formsMultiple choice – only one answerDrop down listRadio buttonsCheckboxes (more than one answer) –REDCapcreates dummy variables for youYes/NoTrue/FalseSlider/Visual Analog ScaleFileupload (good for uploading consent forms)Descriptive text – with optional image/file attachmentBegin new section (must have at least one variable after header before section can be added) *not an option for the last variable on a form
Validation (text box)
DateValidation (date) allows for calendar to pop up and makes sure date is entered in usable formatUse pop up calendar to choose date or enter with keyboardDifferent date format optionsIf possibility for missing information (e.g., day), consider entering day, month, and year separately instead of dateNumber/IntegerAdd ranges - warns if outside range, but still allows itDecimal place option – doesn’t tell you on the form until you enter it wrong – can use field noteoption to clarify for data entry personOthersDate/time or Date/time with secondsEmailPhoneTimeZipLetters onlyMRN/SSN
Field Options
“Required” – prompts data entry person not to leave something missing, but does not actually “require” it“Identifier” – tags variables with protected health information for exporting de-identified data“Check for Identifiers” – design your data collection instruments – can do them all at once
Branching Logic
For fields that should only be asked at certain times(i.e., only ask about possibility of pregnancy if participant is female)Convenience to data entryperson (lets them skip questions without putting “n/a”)No difference in branching missing vs. left intentionallyblank with regards to dataAdvanced vs. Drag-N-DropBranching can use variables from separate forms (*NEW feature*)
Tips When Creating Forms
Drag and dropvariables to reorderCopy/edit to make quick copies of similar variablesNote that when “copy” is used, the variable name is generated and may need be changedDownload data dictionary to Excel file to make changes and then upload new data dictionary - for large number of similar changesMultiple choice options creates numeric values for options “behind the scenes”Always starts at 1 and increasesCan force values you wantBe consistent!! (for missing, n/a, etc)Print CRFs after creating database to have a “hard copy” (these won’t show the branching logic or calculations but will show all variables on a form)
Beware
Cannot force entering data in certain units (kgs, lbs)Add a field note to remind the data entry personCalculations will remain missing if any of the variables used to create it are missingCreating adverse event forms - still not a great way to dothisCreate one form with lots of branchingCreate more than one form (one for each potential AE)Other suggestions??
Longitudinal Studies
Define eventsIf you use the same # days offset (1,1,1, etc), events will be alphabetizedCreate arms if necessary (different schedule of events)Designate instruments for events
Scheduling
Only available for longitudinalMust enable“Scheduling Module”SchedulingGenerate schedule for each patient based onevent designModify/add visits as neededCan print for recordsCalendar toolAdd other events – per patient or in generalAgenda (upcoming for all patients)
Data Export/Import
Export“Simple” takes all variables (that you have permission to download)“Advanced”Choose forms/variables to exportDe-identification optionsCitation noticeSoftware – need to download all files providedExcel, SPSS, SAS , R, STATAData importData must be in same format asREDCapdatabase (.csvfile and variables in the same order)Won’t create variables – only import data into existing variables**This is different from the data dictionary upload whichwill create variables**
Other Tools
Data comparisontool (compares 2 records currently in a database)Logging (keeps track of any use of database)File repositoryUser rights – be careful with default options (especially exporting rights)Data access groups – limits access to database recordsCheck permissions when you add a new formGraphical view and stats – quick and dirtyview
Production Status
Request through “Project Setup”Request Service through SPARKhttps://sctr.musc.edu/After in “production” - changes are not “live” until submitted for approval (use draftmode to make more changes)Make sure to check for deletion of data/other potential problems
Additional Features
Parent Child Linking (cannot be used with longitudinal)Double DataEntryRandomization Module (needs certain user rights)Surveys – can now do multiple surveys in the samedatabase (be careful when trying to do de-identified follow-up surveys)Data QualityReport builder (need to think about what reports you will want before creating database to make sure it will work in report builder)
Resources
REDCapShared LibraryForms already created and validated can be imported directly into libraryListserv:emailredcap-users-request@musc.edu(in body of message, type the word “subscribe”)Emailredcap@musc.edu(to reach administrators)REDCapvideos
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