1. REDCap 201: Leveraging REDCap’s Advanced Features
CARE Education Training Hour
September 30, 2015
Ariel Mueller, MA

2. A Quick Refresher

3. REDCap Refresher What is REDCap?
REDCap is a web-based electronic data capture application that allows you the ability to build and manage databases and surveys
REDCap data can be exported into Excel or directly into a statistical software (SPSS, SAS, Stata, R)
Using REDCap data can be collected and stored on a BIDMC server in a HIPAA compliant manner

4. Advanced REDCap Features

5. Advanced REDCap Features
The Data Dictionary and Data Import Tools
Data Dictionary
Fields can be created directly in the Data Dictionary and uploaded into REDCap
This requires that you follow the REDCap format for inputting these variables
The Data Dictionary can be exported so that the same CRF can be built in different REDCap projects for use in multicenter studies or studies that collect similar data
Data Import Tool
The Data Import Tool allows you to enter data directly into an excel skeleton of the data export
This is great for data that is already collected electronically (ex. data from MV, AIMS, STS)

6. Advanced REDCap Features
Building and Using a Matrix
In the Online Designer you can select “Add Matrix of Fields” to create a matrix of fields with the same response options
Tip: Use this for variables with repetitive choices or to keep track of sample collection
REDCap allows for the creation of branching logic for matrices in the same way you incorporate it for text fields

7. Advanced REDCap Features
Longitudinal Data Collection
Longitudinal events allow you to collect the same data on multiple days/events
To Create Longitudinal Data:
Ensure longitudinal events are enabled under “Project Setup”
Select “Define My Events”
Once completed you need to assign data collection instruments for each event
Under “Project Setup” select “Designate Instruments for My Events”
Select “Begin Editing”

8. Advanced REDCap Features
Multiple Arm Trials
In clinical research we frequently design trials with more than one arm (experimental and control). REDCap has the ability to, depending on which arm the patient is in, collect data in different ways (different forms, different ordering of forms using the longitudinal events, etc.)
To create a CRF with multiple arms in REDCap:
Under “Project Setup” on the “Define My Events” tab, select “Add New Arm”
Note: If you design a trial with multiple arms you must assign longitudinal events to each arm separately

9. Advanced REDCap Features
Surveys
REDCap allows you to enable both public and private surveys
To create a survey:
Ensure that surveys are enabled under “Project Setup”
Select “Online Designer” and create a data collection instrument with your survey questions
Select “Enable A Survey” on the Instrument you want to turn into a survey
You will be prompted to complete some information about your survey (ex. title, survey instructions, survey numbering, etc.)

10. Advanced REDCap Features
Managing Surveys
REDCap allows you to customize how you send out surveys
Public Survey Link: anyone with the web site address can anonymously complete the survey
Participant Survey List: s are sent from REDCap directly to participants
It is optional whether you link a participants responses to their
The Survey Invitation Log tracks whether or not a respondent has completed the survey
To select these options click “Manage Survey Participants” on the left panel

11. Data & Statistical Considerations

12. Data and Statistical Considerations
Talk to your statistician
Does the data you are collecting answer your research question?
Is the data collected/stored in the most efficient way?
Test your project thoroughly
Evaluate branching logic
Evaluate how your CRF interfaces with the medical record
Use a patient to test your project before moving it to production

13. Statistical Considerations
How REDCap Can Support This
Designing a “Stats-Friendly” CRF
Multiple Choice Items
Create a “none” option rather than relying on missing data
Be consistent with numbering (1=yes; 0=no/none/not present)
Use clear and concise variable names
There is a tradeoff between what is most efficient statistically on the back end and the front end user. Finding a balance between the two is important.

14. Statistical Considerations
How REDCap Can Support This Cont.
Identification Considerations
When creating fields be sure to indicate identifying fields as such dates, age, MRN, etc.
Data exports allows you to de-identify the data before sending to a sponsor, statistician etc.
Includes date shifting
REDCap includes a Data Quality Tool that affords some basic monitoring functions (ex. evaluate missing data, verify eligibility criteria is met)

15. Tips to Help Organize REDCap
1/8/15
Tips to Help Organize REDCap

16. Organization and Text Tools
HTML Formatting
Italicize
<i/> Text to apply formatting to</i>
Bold
<b/> Text to apply formatting to </b>
Underline
<u/> Text to apply formatting to </u>
Color
<font color=“red"> Text to apply formatting to</font>
<div style="color:#FF0000;"> Text to apply formatting to </div>

17. Organization and Text Tools
HTML Formatting Cont.
Change Font Size
<div style="font-size: 10pt"> Text to apply formatting to</div>
<span style="font-size: 0.6em; font-weight: 500; "> Text to apply formatting to </span>
Change Spacing
<div style="text-align:center; padding-top: 5em; padding- bottom: 5em;"> Text to apply formatting to </div>
Hover
<span title=“Hover text">Text to hover over</span>

18. Putting it in Action

19. Questions?