REDCap MyCap

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Understanding MyCap

MyCap is a participant-facing mobile application (on iOS and Android) designed for projects with frequent participant contact (ex. daily or weekly surveys).

All data collected in the MyCap app is automatically sent back to the REDCap server as soon as internet connection is available (i.e., it can also be used for offline participant data collection). MyCap can also be used to facilitate participant engagement with two-way communication between the study team and the participants.

How is it different from REDCap Mobile?

REDCap Mobile is a mobile application for project users that allows for offline data collection. This app allows for the creation of new records, and for record data to be downloaded and modified. A REDCap login and project permissions are required.

Setting Up MyCap

MyCap tasks can be built before or after MyCap is enabled. Building MyCap tasks is nearly identical to building any other data entry form in REDCap, however there are some special requirements:

• The first instrument in a project cannot be enabled as a MyCap task, as it is required to have the record created before participants can start using MyCap.

• MyCap tasks can only consist of supported field types. The following field types are supported in MyCap:

  • Textbox - Text, Date, Datetime, Time, Email, Integer, Number, Phone Number (North America), and Zip Code (U.S)

  • Notes Box

  • Multiple Choice – Drop-down list

  • Multiple Choice – Radio Buttons

  • Checkboxes (Multiple Choice)

  • Descriptive Text

  • Yes – No

  • True – False

  • Slider

  • Matrix of Fields (each field appears individually)

To enable an instrument as a MyCap task, simply click ‘Enable’ in the column labeled “Enabled as MyCap Task” for the corresponding instrument. Note: instruments must contain fields in order to be be enabled as MyCap Tasks.

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All instruments enabled as MyCap tasks need to have 7 specific MyCap fields and be repeatable instruments. These requirements will automatically be added when initially setting up the MyCap Task. It is important that these fields/settings are not modified or changed.

To finish enabling the instrument as a MyCap task, the user will be directed to the “Set Up MyCap Task” page where settings can be configured.

The schedule of tasks can be based on the Install Date (the date the project is setup in the MyCap Mobile App for the particular participant) or based on a “Baseline Date” that can be entered in REDCap. To setup a baseline date, click ‘Baseline Date Settings’ on the online designer page and follow the instructions provided.

Any changes or added MyCap tasks must be published in order to be seen in the MyCap app. A message will appear at the top of the online designer page indicating the existence of changes that have not been published. In order to publish the changes, simply click ‘Publish new MyCap version’

Opening the Project in MyCap

A record must be created in REDCap before it can be used in MyCap. The MyCap Mobile app allows a single device to have access to multiple projects at a single time, however only one record per project can be setup on a single device.

To access the unique MyCap link or QR code for a particular record, click ‘MyCap Participant Management’ in the left-hand menu and click the icon under the “Invite Participant” column to view the unique QR code and/or link

In the app, tap ‘Primary Profile’ then select ‘+Join Project’ to scan the QR code provided. The record and project should automatically connect to the MyCap app. Note: if the app consistently crashes when scanning the QR code, there may be an issue in the project (i.e. MyCap task with a field type that is not supported, etc.)

Once MyCap is fully setup on the device for the project, confirm all tasks are scheduled for the correct days and the tasks and fields function as expected in the mobile app.

Inviting Participants

Participants can be invited to MyCap by automatically sending a unique link or QR code through an Automated Survey Invitation (ASI) or Alert, or by manually accessing the link or QR code through the MyCap Participant Management page.

To access the generated invitation link, click  ‘MyCap Participant Management’ in the left-hand menu and click ‘Invite Participants’ at top of the page. Copy the invitation link and paste it where required (alert, ASI, survey completion text, etc.).

MyCap Demos

1. Click here to visit MyCap's website

2. Scroll down to the Try it out! section of the page

3. Pick the demo(s) you'd like to try

How to request CRU’s MYCap?

Ref: Requesting CRU's MyCap

To request CRU's MyCap, please follow these steps:

1. Fill out the CRU’s intake form to MyCap request form with accurate and relevant information.

2. Look for the " Requesting MyCap" and click on it Requesting CRU's MyCap.

3. Review the information you provided to ensure its accuracy and completeness.

4. Submit the request form and wait for the confirmation message or email acknowledging your submission.

5. Depending on the process, you might receive a response with further instructions or an approval notification once your request is reviewed and processed.

6. If you require further information, feel free to contact the CRU support desk at cru@ucalgary.ca. We are here to assist you.

Limitations of Using MyCap

• The features listed below are not supported in MyCap:

  • Calculated Fields

  • Piping

  • Dynamic query SQL fields

  • Signatures

  • Complex branching logic (branching logic that utilizes multiple expressions or fields from other instruments)

  • Smart variables

• CRU highly recommends NOT using the image and video capture features available in MyCap. These fields can cause major interruptions in data transfer to REDCap without REDCap indicating any issue.

• The size of the tasks may cause interruptions in data transfer. It is best practice to always test each task within MyCap to help ensure no issues occur during participant data collection.

• MyCap is developed by the team behind REDCap at Vanderbilt University. CRU provides support to the best of its ability. However, it's important to understand that CRU may not be able to replicate all issues observed in MyCap, as we do not have the same access and view as the participants.

MyCap Usage Fee information

• Researchers/Study teams using CRU's REDCap 14 platform can request activation of MyCap for their projects. This process fee involves a one-time CAD 200 fee.

• To initiate MyCap activation, please access the intake form provided on our REDCap home page using the following link: https://redcap.cru.ucalgary.ca/surveys/?s=7L49EPE94D. A member of our expert team will follow up with you within a few days.

  If you require further information, feel free to contact the CRU support desk at cru@ucalgary.ca. We are here to assist you.