Andrew MacGarvey, CEO, Phastar, spoke to us about how it's out with the tables and graphs and in with embracing technology to unlock the potential of 'big data'.
OSP: What are you hoping to bring to DIA?
AM: In recent years, we have seen a huge increase in the volume and variety of data collected during a clinical trial. In 2021, a typical phase 3 study generated an average of 3.6 million data points – that’s three times more than would have been seen in late-stage trials a decade ago.
If we are to aggregate this mass of information to derive meaningful, actionable insights, we need new ways of doing things. Pivot tables and Excel graphs are simply not up to the task of identifying trends and anomalies in such vast datasets.
Instead, the sector is embracing technological approaches, such as multi-source data visualisation, near real-time centralised monitoring, and machine learning, to unlock the potential of “big data” and drive process efficiencies. But successful implementation requires specialist expertise – and this has led to the emergence of data science as a distinct discipline and an indispensable component of any modern clinical trial.
Specialist biometrics contract research organization, Phastar will be at booth #1006, sharing expertise on how to utilise statistical consulting, clinical trial reporting, data management, and data science services into in-house projects, FSP-style arrangements, and preferred partnerships.
OSP: What are you hoping to take from the event?
AM: DIA Global is a unique opportunity for us to meet with colleagues from across the clinical research space, to showcase our approach and to demonstrate the value of data science.
The huge range of talks and discussions on offer across the event will enable our teams to keep themselves abreast of the latest trends and developments in our fast evolving industry. And the pure scale of the event means they will be able to make multiple meaningful, cross-sector connections.
OSP: What key tracks presented at DIA Global Annual Meeting 2023 are of particular note for you and why?
AM: As a specialist biometrics CRO, we are interested in everything data science, project management, and collaboration.
Sessions such as Leveraging Data and Analytics for Strategic Planning, and Portfolio Management and Governance Decisions, in the Project Management and Strategic Planning track, are of particular interest. We will also be attending the Advances in Sponsor and CRO Collaborations, Vendor Oversight and The Evolving Value of Real-World Data, in the Clinical Trials and Clinical Operations track, and welcome the focus on data visualisation, data quality and data standards the Data and Technology Track.
It's also great to see data science being added to the statistics track. The Complex Innovative Designs session will focus on the analysis dimension of the discipline, including analytics and predictive analytics.
OSP: DIA talks of the ‘issues of today and the possibilities of tomorrow’ – how do you view those and do events like DIA help address them?
AM: Data science holds huge potential for the future of healthcare. Clinical trial databases and electronic health records (EHR), for example, hold millions of datapoints that could deliver insights on disease prediction, risk factors, prognosis, and treatment.
To unlock this potential, we first have to solve the tension between data science and data privacy. Regulations such GDPR place strict restrictions on how health data can be used, and the patchwork of laws in some regions make it a difficult landscape to navigate.
But, with the right knowledge and understanding, data science and data privacy are not mutually exclusive. Events such as DIA Global, which bring the research community together to discuss and to learn, help us to build that knowledge base, and advance our discipline.