DataLytics User Guide

Owned by Kristina Reeder
Last updated: Aug 15, 2023
4 min read

What is DataLytics?

DataLytics is a data analysis tool by the CRU and is part of our DataXplor platform. It is a web application that connects to the CRU’s REDCap platform, allowing reports to be generated with the most current data from your project. No data exports or other tools/apps are required. 

How to access DataLytics

You can request access to the DataXplor app through the CRU’s request form. A link to DataXplor will be configured as a Project Bookmark (available in the lefthand sidebar, see Screenshot 1).

Users with 'No Access' Data Export Rights, as found on the User Rights page within the REDCap project, will not be able to use DataXplor.

You must login to REDCap and click this link to access the tool.

Screenshot 1: REDCap project lefthand menu

 

Access to the tool by user can be configured by editing your project bookmarks (requires Project Setup & Design user permission). From there, selected users can be given access to the bookmark (Screenshot 2)

Screenshot 2: REDCap’s ‘project bookmarks' page

 

The DataLytics Dashboard

The bookmark logs into the DataXplor web application and brings you to the Dashboard page (Screenshot 3).
If you see the DataViz page instead, use the top left icon to switch to DataLytics.

 

Screenshot 3: DataLytics Dashboard after login

The Configuration Panel

The Configuration Panel (Screenshot 4) is where you can design your report. It can be opened and closed by clicking the gear icon on the Dashboard.

From here, select the Metric (see sections below on the report types).

Then, select the Field used to stratify the data. Select the corresponding Date Field.

Once the report is configured, clicking View will pull the data from your REDCap project and produce your report.

 

 

 

Enrolment Report

The Enrolment Report (Screenshot 5, previous page) allows researchers to gain insights into enrolment rates across various groups. It compares enrolment rates to help highlight disparities, helping inform future participant recruitment efforts.

Tips and tricks:

  • Limitations: This report type does not support numeric, descriptive, or notes fields. Fields from repeat instruments are not supported.

  • It is best to choose a Date Field that is reliable and filled out in most records – most typically, this is the primary enrolment date for each subject.

Missingness Report

The Missingness Report gives insights into missing data values in relation to subgroups/strata within the data. This helps identify potential trends, allowing informed decisions to be made on how to handle missing data and helping minimize bias in analysis.

Tips and tricks:

  • Limitations: this report type does not support fields containing branching logic or fields from repeat instruments.

  • It is best to choose a Date Field that is reliable and filled out in most records – most typically, this is the primary enrolment date for each subject.

Outliers Report

The Outliers Report helps identify outliers present in the dataset. Dividing outliers by strata reveals any group-specific trends, providing insights on the potential impact outliers will have within each subgroup.

Tips and tricks:

  • Limitations: This report type only supports numeric fields.