Evaluation of REDCap as a Tool for Outbreak Data Management, Illinois, 2013-2014

Introduction The Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) application has been used to build and manage online surveys and databases in academic research settings. Public health agencies have begun to use REDCap to manage disease outbreak data. In addition to survey and database development, and data management and analysis, REDCap allows users to track data manipulation and user activity, automate export procedures for data downloads, and use ad hoc reporting tools and advanced features, such as branching logic, file uploading, and calculated fields. REDCap supports HIPAA compliance through userbased permissions and audit trails. These additional capabilities may provide an advantage over commonly used outbreak management tools such as Epi Info and Microsoft Access. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has not used REDCap to date. Prior to adopting this web-based application, an evaluation was conducted to assess how REDCap may facilitate outbreak data management.