Advancing public health through the use of REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) software to promote healthy behaviors in women from 5 culturally diverse Utah communities

Designing data collection tools for community-based research is challenging, particularly when lay community members collect data and deliver interventions in different languages.

We describe the novel application of REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) software in a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project evaluating the effectiveness of wellness coaching on changes in health behaviors in racially/ethnically diverse women.

Our randomized trial is designed to evaluate the impact of peer-led wellness coaching on women from African, African American, American Indian, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander communities.  REDCap is a secure, web-based program providing online survey and database management.  REDCap was programmed to assist coaches in collecting study data in Spanish, English, and Kirundi and delivering tailored wellness coaching messages via computer-generated prompts determined by participant-specific data (self-reported interview data, BMI, waist to hip ratio, blood pressure).  This interactive programming supports coaches in providing appropriate, personalized coaching.  

Our REDCap database includes interview questions in three languages and forms to collect clinical and behavioral data and track participant goal progress.  Prompts guide coaches through a tailored, non-directive goal-setting process.  Consent documents and audio recordings of interviews and coaching sessions are stored in the database.  REDCap scheduling modules, contact tracking forms, and a calendar help coaches to complete work in a timely manner.  A randomization module allows coaches to randomize participants into different coaching programs.  We have enrolled 398 women; 137 have finished the 12-month study and 400 will complete the study by 2016.  We will share coaches’ perceptions about REDcap including highlights, challenges, and adaptations made to address challenges.   

REDCap serves as an extremely useful tool in our CBPR work.  REDCap allows lay wellness coaches to collect high quality data in three languages, aids in the provision of appropriate and tailored wellness coaching advice, and allows coaches to guide participants through a personalized goal-setting process.