Bridging Science to Patients: The Need for Efficient, User-Friendly Site Technology in Clinical Research

In working across both the site and service part of the industry for >30 years, I am excited where we are headed in clinical research. Technology innovations will improve productivity across all clinical trials through the use of novel tools and the urgency for unified platforms to help Investigative sites become more efficient and less reliant on traditional practices. After all, sites are the bridge that connect science to patients. Technologies are shifting the industry as a whole toward patient-centric trials and reducing the burden on patients, providing a paradigm shift in how clinical trials are performed, enrolled, and managed. Even more importantly, is the real-world data (RWD) and outcomes generated by the trials, allowing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to predict trends safely and save valuable time, without compromising patient safety.

Our entire clinical trial workforce is changing and adapting to innovative solutions to help accelerate that change. Site coordinators, for example, must be equipped and willing to embrace technology to meet the demands for efficiency and patient participation. The movement must be to retrain experts vs. eliminate expertise. Be smart and efficient! Technology is vital to improve efficiency, but it must involve collaboration with science and industry expertise across Oncology, Infectious Disease, Immunology, Neurology, Cardiovascular and especially Chronic Disease states. That will fuel the development of meaningful technologies at the biopharma, CRO, and site level. The goal is to increase patient access, thus increasing patient enrollment and engagement, while reducing site and patient burden. Yes, it can and will be done. The craving for meaningful and efficient technology without risking patient health is ever growing and never ending.

At Linical, we train CRAs and site staff to do exactly that, because expertise (technology and scientific) is multi-channel and complex. We are part of the solution that embraces innovative tools into the industry by retraining the staff to better understand and support technologies that are patient-centric, all while building trust for greater diversity into clinical trials. Commercial drugs must represent all patients.

What will the industry look like to you in 3 years? Please add your thoughts and comments.

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