Certainly! Requesting REDCap access through your institution typically involves a few key steps. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Identify Your Institution's REDCap Administrator

• Check Institutional Website: Look for information on your institution's website about REDCap. There might be a dedicated page or section for research tools and resources.


• Contact IT Department: If you can't find the information online, contact your institution's IT department or research support office. They can direct you to the appropriate person or department.

Step 2: Prepare Your Request

• Project Description: Have a clear description of your research project ready. This should include the purpose of the study, the type of data you will be collecting, and how REDCap will be used.


• IRB Approval: If your project requires Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, make sure you have that documentation ready. Some institutions require IRB approval before granting REDCap access.


• Team Members: List all team members who will need access to REDCap and their roles in the project.

Step 3: Submit Your Request

• Online Form: Many institutions have an online form for requesting REDCap access. Fill out the form with all the necessary details.


• Email Request: If there is no online form, draft an email to the REDCap administrator. Include the following information:


• Your full name and contact information.


• The name and contact information of your principal investigator (if applicable).


• A brief description of your research project.


• The type of data you will be collecting.


• Any IRB approval documentation.


• A list of team members who need access.

Step 4: Follow-Up

• Confirmation: After submitting your request, you should receive a confirmation email. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe, follow up with the administrator.


• Training: Some institutions require users to complete training before granting access. Be prepared to attend any required training sessions or complete online modules.

Sample Email Request

Subject: Request for REDCap Access
Dear [REDCap Administrator's Name],
I am writing to request access to REDCap for our research project titled "[Project Title]". Below are the details of our project:
- **Principal Investigator**: [PI's Name]
- **Contact Information**: [Your Name, Email, Phone Number]
- **Project Description**: [Brief description of the project, including the purpose and type of data to be collected]
- **IRB Approval**: [Attach IRB approval documentation if applicable]
- **Team Members**: [List of team members and their roles]
We believe REDCap will be an invaluable tool for managing our research data efficiently and securely. Please let us know if there are any additional steps we need to take or if you require further information.
Thank you for your assistance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Department]
[Your Institution]
[Your Contact Information]

Additional Tips

• Documentation: Keep all correspondence and documentation related to your request. This can be helpful if there are any delays or issues.


• Support: Utilize any support resources your institution offers, such as help desks or user guides.