Background
North Carolina State University (NCSU) is a leading public research university dedicated to driving innovation and technological advancements. With a strong focus on environmental science, public health, and data-driven research, NCSU sought to enhance its research capabilities by creating a mobile application that integrates health and environmental data collection into a seamless, user-friendly platform. The university had previously developed health and environmental survey forms within REDCap but needed an efficient solution to integrate them into a mobile application for easier accessibility and improved user engagement.
Project Objective
NCSU approached App Maisters with the primary goal of developing a mobile application that would enable users to access, complete, and submit health and environmental surveys directly from their smartphones.
Project Solution
App Maisters proposed and developed a comprehensive mobile solution tailored to NCSU’s requirements. The application was built from scratch to ensure smooth integration with REDCap while providing an engaging and intuitive user interface. Key elements of the solution included:
- Seamless REDCap Integration: All survey forms were directly pulled from REDCap and displayed in a mobile-friendly format.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app was designed for effortless navigation, allowing users to complete surveys with minimal effort.
- Secure Data Submission: Real-time data synchronization with REDCap ensured immediate and secure transfer of responses.
- Local Air Quality Insights: API integration enabled users to view real-time air quality data based on their location.
- Push Notifications: Scheduled alerts reminded users to complete their daily surveys.
- Profile Management: Users could update their personal health information, ensuring accurate data collection.
- Consent Management: Integrated consent forms ensured compliance with ethical research standards before users participated in surveys.
Technology Used
- Frontend Development: React Native
- Backend Development: Node.js with Express.js
- Database: Firebase for user authentication and real-time data storage
- API Integration: REDCap API for survey synchronization and Air Quality API for environmental data
- Cloud Services: AWS for secure hosting and scalability
- Push Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for reminders and alerts
Results
The mobile application successfully streamlined data collection for NCSU’s research studies, offering multiple benefits:
- Enhanced User Engagement: The intuitive design increased survey participation rates among users.
- Seamless Data Collection: Real-time synchronization with REDCap ensured accuracy and efficiency in data reporting.
- Improved Research Accuracy: By providing easy access to surveys and real-time air quality data, the app enhanced the quality and scope of research.
- Scalability for Future Research: The solution provided a foundation for additional integrations, making it a scalable tool for long-term use.
- Increased Accessibility: Users could now complete surveys on the go, removing barriers to participation.
