“Many processes used within clinical trials were set up before mobile technology existed,” Tim Davis, Exco InTouch CEO and founder, told Outsourcing-Pharma.com. “Therefore, it has taken time and evidence from the experiences of ‘early adopters’ to demonstrate the value digital technologies can add to clinical studies.”
Building on this body of evidence and the infrastructure to support clinical use, Davis explained that “adoption is now set to turn as the remainder of the industry comes on aboard.”
Getting on-board
Last week, Exco InTouch, a patient engagement and data capture solution provider, announced the launch of Gather – a new product suite offering for clinical trials that connects traditionally independent technology systems.
“It offers sponsors, sites and patients a completely new way to manage and be involved in clinical trials, incorporating key modules such as patient engagement, eCOA, and reporting,” explained Davis.
The company will work with sponsors to ensure that all required “modules” needed within a particular trial are “switched on,” as Davis explained, such as eCOA or Workflow Integration.
“Since all modules are connected, there is just one logon needed for sponsors and sites which gives the users access to study progress, reports and analysis according to their level of access,” he added.
With mobile technology, CROs can manage patient and site interactions through an interface that streamlines the process, enabling more accurate reporting and increased control and engagement at every step in the process.
Blurring lines
“Technology is blurring the lines between clinical research and real world healthcare,” said Davis, who added that he is seeing this happen at the company with lessons learned through digital health programs, which have been transferred into the clinical world through Gather.
“For example, if you take a commercial disease management service at the simplest level it is collecting data and assessing patients’ wellbeing, which is effectively what needs to be done in a clinical trial,” he explained.
However, data capture services need the support mechanisms to help patients self-manage their conditions and doctors their patients.
“We’re seeing this already where services deployed through post-market programs are now being implemented to support patients in clinical trials,” added Davis, “hopefully, we can now expand this out to simplify the clinical trial process for all involved.”