Having supported dozens of studies at CMU, the IT team notes these common mistakes:
Pitfall 1: Forgetting the "Test" vs. "Production" Modes REDCap has two modes. Never collect real patient data in "Test" mode. Always switch the project to "Production" status before sending surveys to actual participants.
Pitfall 2: Improper De-Identification If you export data for analysis in R or SPSS, ensure you have removed the "Record ID" column if IRB requires de-identified datasets.
Pitfall 3: Survey Distribution Do not type patient emails directly into the "Add Recipients" box if you are storing emails in the same database. Use the Participant List or external modules to keep identifying information separate from clinical data. redcap med cmu
Looking ahead, the Faculty of Medicine is investing heavily in its REDCap ecosystem. Upcoming developments expected in the next 12-18 months include:
Before diving into the specific instance at CMU, it is crucial to understand what REDCap is. Developed by Vanderbilt University, REDCap is a secure, web-based application designed exclusively for building and managing online surveys and databases.
While tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey are useful for simple polls, they are rarely HIPAA-compliant or robust enough for complex clinical trials. REDCap is different. It is used by thousands of institutions worldwide because it offers: Having supported dozens of studies at CMU, the
Before adopting REDCap, researchers at Med CMU relied on paper case report forms (CRFs) or unsecured spreadsheets. These methods led to three major problems: data entry errors, lost paperwork, and compliance headaches. The switch to REDCap solved these issues by offering:
At Chiang Mai University (CMU), the Faculty of Medicine handles dozens of active clinical trials and observational studies. Before REDCap, many teams relied on Excel or paper forms – error-prone and difficult to audit. Now, with CMU’s dedicated REDCap instance:
| Tool | Cost at CMU | Ease of Use | Compliance | Multi-site | |------|-------------|-------------|------------|-------------| | REDCap | Free | Medium | High (with module) | Excellent | | Google Forms | Free | High | Low | Poor | | OpenClinica | $$ | Low | High | Good | | Commercial EDC (e.g., Veeva) | $$$$ | Medium | Very high | Excellent | Note: API usage requires a request to the
One of the most underutilized features of the Med CMU instance is its API (Application Programming Interface). If you work with:
Note: API usage requires a request to the CMU Data Security Officer.