Research electronic data capture (REDCap)--a metadata-driven methodology and workflow process for providing translational research informatics support

Abstract

Research electronic data capture (REDCap) is a novel workflow methodology and software solution designed for rapid development and deployment of electronic data capture tools to support clinical and translational research. We present: (1) a brief description of the REDCap metadata-driven software toolset; (2) detail concerning the capture and use of study-related metadata from scientific research teams; (3) measures of impact for REDCap; (4) details concerning a consortium network of domestic and international institutions collaborating on the project; and (5) strengths and limitations of the REDCap system. REDCap is currently supporting 286 translational research projects in a growing collaborative network including 27 active partner institutions.

Figure 1. REDCap Project Initiation Workflow

Study-specific databases are created using data dictionaries provided by the research team. After an initial demonstration, research teams use a custom MS-Excel file template to provide project metadata. The informatics team uses this file to create a prototype web application that researchers can test while revising their data dictionary. Once consensus is reached by the research team on the entire data collection CRF package, the application is moved to production status for study initiation.

Figure 2. REDCap Data Entry

Case report forms are accessible to users who have sufficient access rights and contain field-specific client-side validation code sufficient to ensure data integrity. In addition to checking for mandatory field type (e.g. numeric entry for systolic blood pressure), validity functions also check data ranges (e.g. 70–180 mmHg) and alert the end-user whenever entered data violates specified limits. CRF pages and REDCap functional modules are accessible to end users by clicking links on the right-side application menu of each project.

Figure 3. REDCap Study Utilization at Vanderbilt and Meharry Medical College

Local use of the REDCap project has grown steadily since introduction in August, 2004 at Vanderbilt University and our CTSA partner Meharry Medical College. September 11, 2008 statistics indicated 204 total projects, including 156 active and 48 in the prototype development process. Projects are allowed to remain in prototype status as long as researchers are interested in continuing development.

Figure 4. REDCap Consortium

Geographical representation of 27 active domestic and international collaborating institutions. Locations depicted do not include sites where software is used, but hosted at another institution (example Venezuela, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Honduras, Haiti, Chile, and Brazil data entry partner sites).