A number of limitations should be recognized with the REDCap project. The flat-table structure used for collected research data is inefficient from a data storage standpoint, but very efficient from the perspective of study setup and ideal for embedded data export procedures. The researcher-led metadata creation process is fast and flexible, but does not encourage the use of data naming standards, with the exception that data dictionary templates are typically reused by researcher teams across studies. We are considering methods for adding standards-based data identifiers to the metadata process using IC expert guidance in studies where this approach would add value.
