External Modules

External Modules (EM) are individual packages of software that can extend REDCap’s functionality, behavior, and appearance in creative ways.  EMs may incur costs to install and use on your project.

Types of External Modules 

Broadly speaking, there are 2 types of REDCap External Modules:

  1. Global. These modules are developed by members of the consortium, which are then curated and released through the Vanderbilt repository.  These EMs are available to be installed on all REDCap projects and provide functionality that many investigators may find useful. 
  1. Custom. These EMs are usually developed by study staff or software developers per study specifications and are installed on a limited number of projects.

Learn More

How it works

Vanderbilt Consortium EM repository

Global External Modules from the repository are downloaded and installed by a REDCap Administrator. In general, we support EMs that are widely used within the Vanderbilt REDCap Consortium, are routinely updated, and have no known compatibility issues. 

To request the addition of a Global External Module to your project, please contact your REDCap Administrator and identify:

  1. External Module of interest 
  2. Principal Investigator/Project Owner Name
  3. Study Title
  4. Server- Yale/YNHH
  5. Project ID (PID)

Limitations

Before installation, we must carefully test and vet each Global External Module on our system and on your project. There may be incompatibilities with the version of REDCap, PHP, your project design, or other EMs.   

  • External modules cannot be used with the REDCap Mobile App.   

How it works

You may use or develop Custom External Modules on your REDCap project.  

  1. Request a consultation for Custom Software Development.

  2. If you are interested in developing Custom EMs, visit Resources: External Modules.  

    Limitations

Custom External Modules are subject to all the security clearance requirements found under External Module Review Process: Security Review. Software developers must coordinate with us to submit a Security Planning Assessment prior to installation and use.