Dr Sam Ryan1,2, Dr Rohan Lowe2
1Intersect Australia, Sydney, Australia, 2La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Background
REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) is a burgeoning research technology at many higher education organisations, including La Trobe University (LTU). The tool is typically used for researcher- or participant-facing projects as a means of collecting and storing research data. However, REDCap can provide a solution to operational problems within universities and streamline administrative processes that aid the execution of research.
Actions
We developed a REDCap project that addressed several administrative and workflow issues within the university’s resource allocation process. Problems included a static submission form, a decentralised management process, manual processing of submissions, and a general lack of efficiency. The REDCap project was developed by the La Trobe Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform Facility Manager (PFM) after consultation with LTU’s local eResearch Analyst and completion of training in REDCap.
Results
A streamlined and automated resource request submission process was implemented. This included: a publicly displayed link to a dynamic REDCap survey which triaged researchers to a suitable form depending on their requirements, automatic alerts sent to the PFM with a PDF of each submission, and secure storage and management of submission data. Importantly, regular changes to the submission form can now be made invisibly to researchers, avoiding the need to promote the use of a new form or process.
Conclusion
REDCap is an effective solution to operational workflow issues within universities. The tool can increase automation, enhance data management and security, and improve efficiency of administrative processes.
Biography:
Dr Sam Ryan is an eResearch Analyst at Intersect Australia and La Trobe University. He holds a Doctorate in Exercise Science and a Bachelor of Business, with interests in macroeconomics, public health research and enhancing research productivity and efficiency.