Creation and implementation of a REDCap database demonstrates engagement and impact for a hospital-based center for nursing research and evidence-based practice

Abstract

Demonstrating impact is essential for hospital-based centers for pediatric nursing research and evidence-based practice. To meet this aim, the Center for Pediatric Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia created a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database as a project engagement tracker to (1) capture all requests for consultation, and (2) summarize the Center's multi-professional consultants' engagement in diverse projects across our large pediatric health system. We implemented our REDCap project engagement tracker six years ago and continue to utilize it as a living database. Customized reports allow us to effectively manage our daily operations and communicate our reach and value to stakeholders internal and external to our organization. With REDCap's flexibility and ease of use, this project engagement tracker can be easily shared with like organizations. And with strong partnerships, we hope to see the development of common metrics to communicate the impact of centers of nursing inquiry on a national scale.