Microsoft 365 vs. REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture)

I usually recommend Microsoft 365 to my clients to keep them away from the Exchange server (sorry!) Our business has a lot of issues with exchange email functions and copy machines. I always recommend they download the desktop version and use the online version as needed. You never know when you will be without an internet connection, but you can usually trust your laptop will have a decent charge, and you can still be productive! Let it sync when the powers are back on - or your connection is alive.

Our main use has been for research studies. It allows HIPPA compliant data collection with a vast amount of customization options, branching logic to keep collection clean, and validation to ensure data collected can easily be analyzed. We can send surveys to participants in between visits and use forms for in person visits where a staff member is collecting the information

Incentivized

• keeps me extremely organized. It is so easy to link calendars, emails, and documents.
• keeps me well connected. It is so easy to send a quick message on teams or send an email to a group (for example, my particular team within the company).
• easy to use. Everything is straightforward, making it easy to find an answer to a question. There is even a search option to figure out how to do something within Microsoft.

• I appreciate the ability to add/change items within a field that may be beneficial or detrimental to the patient.
• I like the option to sort by year in the main information hub, as well as put specific dates of consultations & meetings within a patient profile.
• Very easy learn and use!

Incentivized

• I wish it was a little simpler to integrate things from one Microsoft Feature into another one. Perhaps I just don't know the tricks for that yet...after all these years of using it.
• I didn't like how it defaulted to saving the document automatically with changes, like Google Docs, but it seems that has now changed, and is better now.
• Generally, I really like how the suite works as is.

Incentivized

• REDCap is generally the best app for public health and clinical trials for both the academia and for-profit organization. However it is poorly marketed much effort is placed on the academia side though organizations like the pharmaceuticals, hospitals, insurance etc., would be willing especially when they get hear about it.
• REDCap needs to work on the user interface. It's kinda boring especially when designing surveys and when navigating for surveys
• The FAQ must be shortened , sometimes the videos associated with FAQ seem long.

I am completely satisfied with the product, and helps me on a daily basis. I do not the exact cost (it is not a cheap suite) but on the medium and long term the return on investment is guaranteed.

Incentivized

It being the default office suite means it's user experience and idioms are things that everyone is generally very used to and fluent with.

The sharing is relatively simple, being directly hooked into Entra AD, and expiry being a first class concern.

It's usability decreases at scale, with multiple people simultaneously making edits can make documents unusable.

It is very interesting to me especially that it meets all my needs. The libraries makes the job even much easier, since you can just make a few adjustments to the appropriate template chosen

Over the past 8 years of using Microsoft 365, I have noticed that they change vendors often. This always leads to a poor experience in the beginning, then levels out after some time for the company to get things worked out. As a customer, it is really frustrating because I don't have time when something isn't working to have them "look into my issue" and get back with me. They have even closed a ticket I specifically told them to keep open. Your applications are only as good as the support.

Incentivized

They respond almost immediately to queries

Everything works and I use it all the time.

Incentivized

BTE, this search bar is not the best; I couldn't find Google Suite. In any case, it's challenging to find a suite with advanced tools that serves as an office. Google comes close, no one uses OpenOffice (hyperbole), and there isn't much else to use. If you add to that the recent collaborative functionalities, nothing really stacks up or compares; this has everything a person in an office (oversimplifying) needs to get work done.

Incentivized

REDCap surveys is designed according to HIPAA rules, FISMA, 21 CFR part 11, ICH-Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and GDPR, thereby making it more reliable for this market niche.

• Microsoft 365 has really been effective and cost saving option for our organization in terms of managing the mailboxes, collaboration and messaging.
• There is multiple must have features which comes all together in one package and therefore is cost effective.
• The only negative impact according to me is its inability to protect the environment or domain from external attacks effectively.

• It facilities the research
• It ensures HIPPA compliance

Incentivized