AI, patient engagement, and interoperability: Innovations shaping clinical trials
By creating a future of cheaper and faster studies, these innovations are paving the way for more targeted treatments and therapy advancements. In this article, we explore recent advancements in clinical trials, the role of patient engagement, and the impact of AI and data analytics on research efficiency and accuracy.
Advancements in clinical trials: Embracing real-world evidence
One of the most significant trends in clinical research is the increasing emphasis on real-world evidence (RWE). Regulatory agencies like the FDA are now calling for RWE alongside clinical evidence. Sources such as electronic health records (EHRs), medical claims, product or disease registries, and digital health technologies are being leveraged to gather this data. Additionally, regulators are advocating for more patient feedback through patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and are promoting remote trial participation to reduce participant burden and facilitate research on rare diseases.
Vincent Keunen, founder of Andaman7, explains: “We address these developments through our patient-mediated research platform, where patients collect all their health data on their smartphone and explicitly consent to share the data for research. This approach not only empowers patients but also provides researchers with valuable real-world insights.”
Patient engagement: Enhancing safety and comfort
Patient engagement is a crucial element in the design and execution of clinical trials. Ensuring patient safety and comfort during trials is paramount. Andaman7's mobile application integrates gamification and reminders to guide patients gently through the trial workflow, ensuring maximum comprehension and adherence. The app also allows patients to interact with the trial support team in multiple ways, facilitating ease of engagement.
"By incorporating features that enhance patient interaction and engagement, we aim to make the trial process as seamless and comfortable as possible," Keunen adds. "This not only improves the patient experience but also contributes to the overall success of the trial."
Innovation and Technology: The role of AI and data analytics
Privacy regulations such as GDPR have changed the data landscape, giving patients more control over their data. Andaman7's platform ensures that no health data is stored in the cloud, maintaining patient privacy and security. Patients have full control of their health data and can consent before contributing their data to medical research.
“The future of clinical trials is bright, with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing research and patient outcomes.”
Keunen said: “We make health data more accessible and actionable, using interoperability technologies to enable patients to access their hospital EHR data. This marks a major milestone in global health interoperability and patient empowerment.”
The recent launch of Andaman7 v5, with advanced AI capabilities, offers patients enhanced understanding of their health records. The AI tools streamline complex medical information, extract key insights, and provide translation services, making health information more accessible and understandable.
“These AI developments highlight how technology can empower patients, giving them more autonomy and improving communication with providers. This also opens up new opportunities for real-world data collection and enhances patient engagement,” says Keunen.
Raising public awareness and future goals
Efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of clinical trials are ongoing. Andaman7's platform facilitates patient recruitment while preserving privacy, a concept Keunen calls "reverse patient recruitment." This approach ensures that patients' data is handled securely and that they are informed participants in research.
Looking ahead, the landscape of clinical trials is expected to continue evolving with new digital technologies driving a surge in real-world data availability. Combining increased data volume with advanced machine learning analytics will reveal previously unseen insights and valuable real-world evidence.
“Patient-mediated research can guide future developments and improve care and treatments, placing greater emphasis on the patient as a partner in their treatment and care,” Keunen concludes.
