Development of a REDCap Governance Model at La Trobe University
Dr Sam Ryan1,2
1Intersect Australia, Sydney, Australia
2La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Background
REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) is a burgeoning research technology tool at higher education organisations such as La Trobe University. Given its popularity and the breadth of user research expertise, it is important that a source-of-truth (SoT) document and support framework exists to guide new and existing users on the fundamental functions of REDCap, organisation-specific human research ethics (HREC) requirements and resources available to users. The absence of a proper framework for researchers can lead to suboptimal study design, incorrect data collection, storage and analysis procedures and workflow inefficiencies.
Actions
To develop a model of REDCap governance that combines REDCap support in the form of email and face-to-face consultation, training course delivery, community drop-in sessions and an SoT guidelines document. The model was developed in consultation with University Research Infrastructure management, University HREC, eResearch Analysts and REDCap administrators from other universities.
Results
A REDCap Governance Model was developed and implemented at La Trobe University. Within this model sits the multiple facets of project support available to researchers within the University including consulting, training and community collaboration. The outcome of this model is a conspicuous SoT document and increased awareness of support mechanisms available to new and existing researchers using REDCap.
Conclusion
A consultative approach is effective in developing a REDCap Governance Model at higher-education institutions. The implementation of such a model can enhance efficiency, better research design and more effective research workflow while highlighting support resources available to users.
Biography:
Dr Sam Ryan is an eResearch Analyst at Intersect Australia and La Trobe University. A Doctor of Exercise Science with interests in macroeconomics, public health research and enhancing research productivity and efficiency.
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2648-7120