Creation and implementation of a REDCap database demonstrates engagement and impact for a hospital-based center for...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Demonstrating impact is crucial for hospital-based pediatric nursing research and evidence-based practice centers.
• Quantifying the reach and value of these centers is essential for sustainability and growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a system for tracking project engagement and consultations within a pediatric nursing research center.
• To effectively manage daily operations and communicate the center's impact to stakeholders.

Main Methods:

• Creation of a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database to serve as a project engagement tracker.
• Systematic capture of all consultation requests and summarization of multi-professional consultant engagement across a pediatric health system.
• Utilization of customized reports generated from the REDCap database.

Main Results:

• The REDCap project engagement tracker has been successfully utilized for six years as a living database.
• The system enables effective management of daily operations and clear communication of the center's reach and value.
• The tracker's flexibility and ease of use facilitate potential sharing with similar organizations.

Conclusions:

• A REDCap database can serve as an effective project engagement tracker for pediatric nursing research centers.
• This approach enhances operational management and stakeholder communication regarding the center's impact.
• Standardized metrics derived from such systems could help communicate the national impact of nursing inquiry centers.