As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, it is no surprise that the clinical trial field is following suit. Virtual trials, also known as remote or decentralized clinical trials, involve using technology to collect data and monitor patient health remotely instead of in a traditional brick-and-mortar clinic setting. Successful virtual trials are built on a technology stack that meets the critical needs of virtual trials. This blog post outlines five essential technical requirements that your tech stack must support to drive successful virtual trial completion.
The Advantages and Risks of Virtual Trials
While virtual trials have been around for several years, their use has significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing measures in place and concerns about exposing vulnerable patients to potential viruses, many pharmaceutical companies have turned to virtual trials as a safer alternative.
Not only do virtual trials offer a solution to current crises, but they also bring with them several advantages. These include increased diversity in trial participants, reduced costs, faster recruitment and data collection, and improved patient compliance and satisfaction.
However, virtual trials do come with some challenges. These include the potential for technical issues or data inaccuracies, difficulties in monitoring adherence to trial protocols, and a lack of hands-on interaction between researchers and participants.
Despite these hurdles, it is clear that virtual trials are here to stay. As technology advances and more companies turn to remote options, we can expect to see even greater use of virtual trials in the future.
5 Ways to Use Technology to Streamline Your Virtual Trial
Virtual Oversight and Monitoring
Virtual clinical trials require efficient and secure methods for remote site oversight and monitoring. This includes virtual visits, remote source data verification, and virtual document management.
When building your virtual trial tech stack, it’s critical that you include a system that can manage each of these core needs. As a best practice, ensure you choose a system that is:
Easy-to-use.
Effective at meeting your core oversight and monitoring needs.
Bug-free (or as close as you can get).
Virtual Patient Recruitment, Treatment, and Monitoring
Your virtual trial tech stack must provide a platform for virtual patient recruitment, treatment, monitoring, and adherence. This includes online questionnaires, eConsent forms, remote data collection, and virtual appointment scheduling.
One key aspect is having a platform that allows for accessible communication and information sharing between patients, healthcare providers, and researchers. This can involve video conferencing capabilities, secure messaging systems, and electronic data transfer.
Additionally, a robust remote monitoring system is crucial for properly tracking and documenting patient progress without in-person visits. This may involve wearable devices or mobile apps for self-reporting symptoms and collecting other health metrics.
Virtual & Asynchronous Oversight Ops, from Safety Programs and Committees to DSMBs
Virtual clinical trials require virtual and asynchronous oversight operations, including virtual safety programs and committees and remote Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) meetings.
Your tech stack should support these functions through:
Streamlined Communication.
Process Automation and Review.
Secure Data Sharing Capabilities.
Additionally, it is crucial to have a solid plan for training all team members on using the selected technology. This will ensure smooth implementation and efficient virtual operations during the clinical trial. Ultimately, investing in the right technology for virtual and asynchronous oversight operations can make all the difference.
Easier & Greater Access to & for KOLs
We’ve written before about the critical impact that Key Opinion Leaders (KOLS) can have on your trail. You can read more about our tips on attracting and retaining KOLs.
The important thing to keep in mind when it comes to supporting your KOLs is that your tech stack can either be a benefit or a liability. Your virtual trial tech stack should help to reduce the friction experienced by KOLs in virtual trials.
Some examples of friction reduction include:
Using collaborative scheduling to streamline meeting schedules.
Eliminate an overuse or overreliance on paperwork.
Support asynchronous communication.
Real-time Study Metrics & Performance Reporting
Finally, your virtual trial tech stack should include real-time study metrics and performance reporting tools. This allows sponsors to identify any potential issues or roadblocks quickly, and take immediate action to address them. It also helps ensure that data is consistently and accurately captured, meeting regulatory compliance requirements.
Consider implementing an eSource system for the electronic collection of subject data at the point of care and a centralized data management platform to aggregate and analyze this information. This type of technology allows for more efficient virtual monitoring visits, where remote reviewers can easily access all necessary study data in one place.
You can drive successful remote clinical trials by ensuring that your virtual trial tech stack meets these five essential needs. If you’re looking for a jump-start for your virtual trial management, consider Cloud Concinnity.
The Cloud Concinnity platform was built to meet the specific clinical trial management needs of CROs,Sponsors and oversight committee members (DSMBs, DMCs, SRCs, etc). Our cloud-based systems provide vested trial parties with a centralized communication, collaboration, and data management tool.
Learn more about how Cloud Concinnity can help drive success for your virtual trial. Schedule a demo today and get started.