REDCap FAQ

FAQ’s

1. How do I access REDCap?
   You will need to apply for a REDCap account; once it has been created you can use it to login via https://redcap.healthinformatics.unimelb.edu.au/
2. What does REDCap cost?
   REDCap is free to use, but our license requires it only be used for University of Melbourne associated research.
3. Can you to help me design REDCap forms, and if so is there a cost?
   The University does not directly provide such a service; however, there are introductory and intermediate training workshops provided by MCATS approximately every 4 months; details can be found on the MCATS research support page. Additionally, if you have any questions about using REDCap you can contact our support team at red-cap@unimelb.edu.au.
4. Will REDCap still be here in N years?
   Yes, REDCap is a stable and long term commitment made by the University.
5. Is my data backed up?
   The REDCap server is backed up regularly, but because it is a whole-of-server image there isn’t a way to extract just the relevant portion out of it in the event you accidentally delete or corrupt your project. As such it is your responsibility to regularly back up your data and store it on a secure research drive.
6. Do I need to register for REDCap and if so, why?
   REDCap does not interface with the University’s Single Sign-On system as we need to allow for external collaborators (i.e. people without a University login) to access the system. University users must apply for a REDCap account, and an existing University user can apply for limited-access account(s) for any external collaborators. Registration is required so that we can satisfy the terms of our license agreement, namely that the software is used only for University of Melbourne associated research.
7. Can I create multiple projects using one Redcap account?
   Yes, as long as you are a University staff member, student or honorary. External collaborator accounts do not have the power to create projects at all and must be granted permission to access an existing project by their sponsor user.
8. Can I see other people’s projects?
   By default, you can’t see any projects other than those you create yourself. However, the owner or maintainer of another project can choose to give you access to their project via the User Rights screen.
9. Is there a way to log-on to REDCap without an internet connection?
   No, you cannot log on to REDCap without an internet connection. However, there is a mobile app that you can download on your Apple or Android phone or tablet, that can be used to collect data in areas without internet access to be uploaded to the main REDCap server later.
10. I have an existing REDCap account at another institution; can I use it to login to the University instance? No, each REDCap instance is entirely separate and a login for e.g. the Royal Melbourne Hospital instance will not work in the University instance, or vice versa. You will need to apply for a separate University account as above.