How to Set Up eConsent in REDCap

REDCap's e-Consent Framework allows research teams to obtain informed consent from participants electronically. With the release of REDCap 14.5, the framework received significant upgrades (eConsent 2.0), including improved audit trails, better inline PDF display, multi-form signature support, and the ability to trigger and save PDF snapshots of forms and surveys.

Basic Setup Steps

1. Make sure Use surveys in this project is enabled in your project settings.
2. In the Online Designer, click the e-Consent and PDF Snapshots button.
3. Click Enable the e-Consent Framework for a survey.
4. Select the survey you want to use for e-Consent and configure your settings.
5. Save your settings.

Important: Get IRB Approval First

Your IRB must approve the use of eConsent for your study before you create the eConsent in REDCap. The IRB-approved PDF version of your consent document should be used as the basis for building your eConsent in REDCap, ensuring the final document is consistent with the language your IRB has approved.

Setup Guides from Universities

• Introducing eConsent 2.0 (Yale University) — Overview of the latest eConsent features in REDCap 14.5
• eConsent Setup Instructions (University of North Carolina, 2024) — Step-by-step setup guide
• How to Use REDCap's e-Consent Framework (University of Illinois, 2024)
• e-Consent Framework (University of Colorado Denver)
• e-Consent Framework & PDF Snapshot Guide (University of Connecticut)
• Guidance for Using REDCap eConsent (Virginia Commonwealth University)