Duke Surgery Research Central: an open-source Web application for the improvement of compliance with research regulation
2006

Duke Surgery Research Central: A Web App for Research Compliance

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Pietrobon Ricardo, Shah Anand, Kuo Paul, Harker Matthew, McCready Mariana, Butler Christeen, Martins Henrique, Moorman CT, Jacobs Danny O

Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center

Hypothesis

Can a web-based application improve compliance with research regulations?

Conclusion

The Duke Surgery Research Central application has excellent usability and aims to streamline regulatory processes in academic research.

Supporting Evidence

  • The application was designed to be user-friendly for individuals with different computer literacy levels.
  • Formal usability tests showed that users found the application easy to learn and use.
  • DSRC allows for tracking of regulatory documents and tasks in a secure web environment.

Takeaway

This study created a website to help researchers follow rules for their studies more easily, making it simpler for them to get their work done.

Methodology

The application was developed using Java and the Model-View-Controller design model, with usability evaluated through formal tests and field observations.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in usability testing due to involvement of authors in the development process.

Limitations

The application relies on institutional IT support for modifications and may not be suitable for institutions without such resources.

Participant Demographics

Users included researchers and research administrators with varying levels of computer literacy.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6947-6-32

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