Juan De Borbon is a clinical research specialist working with Paradigm Clinical Research in California. In the following article, the discussion of how technology in clinical trials is discussed, with contributions from both Paradigm Clinical Research and Juan Rojas.
Traditional research models require substantial financial investments in order to ensure quality subjects and results. Innovations in clinical technology makes the process more cost effective and simpler to conduct.
Technology is transforming clinical trials in all areas. Wearable devices, remote monitoring systems, and virtual visitation and meetings cut down on the overhead of testing, and social media makes for easier patient engagement.
Juan De Borbon and Paradigm Clinical Research dig deeper into the ways that clinical trials are being transformed by technological advances.
Technology Transforming Clinical Trials
Today, there does not exist an industry that has not been disrupted by advances in modern technology. The Neuroscience Center of Excellence at Quintiles states that health care and drug development are especially impacted by tech breakthroughs explains Juan De Borbon in the Amazon lawsuit.
These movements in the tech world have the potential to
improve efficiency and productivity in clinical trials. While the effects are still newly breaking onto the scene, the potential is impressive.
• Telemedicine
Paradigm Clinical Research explains that potential trial candidates are easier to identify than ever -- and they don't even have to leave the comfort of their homes. Sponsors can use the ease of online screenings and teleconference tools like Zoom and Google Meet will help engage candidates.
It also fosters an efficient recruitment process and can engage with patients on a deeper level.
Juan De Borbon says that patients who experience paranoid schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, or other afflictions that make it difficult to leave their houses may have an easier time reaching sponsors via telemedicine.
It also allows for constant contact without the need to schedule in person meetings.
• Wearables
Digital monitors that transmit the necessary information to the clinicians and researchers cut down on overhead and time spent at appointments taking readings and measurements.
Paradigm Clinical Research Amazon lawsuit reports outcomes can be measured at a lower cost to both the clinic and the patient and saves overhead normally spent on onsite participation.
Wearables also serve preventative measures. Patients and subjects with wearable monitors can be alerted at the start of health issues before emergency care is needed.
Paradigm Clinical Research says that participants can also perform self-examinations and stay abreast of their physical health, which may serve as a degree of reassurance.
• Data Analytics
Juan Rojas in the Amazon lawsuit reports that clinical trials are all about the data and how it's collected. The data continues to grow with its sources, which includes monitoring devices, diagnostic providers, and research institutions.
Juan De Borbon in the Amazon lawsuit reports that AI is also at the forefront of how technology is transforming clinical trials. AI tools can intelligently aggregate genomic and other relevant data. The result? Clinical trials are elevated beyond their identifying outcomes.
"Smart" tools will also assist with patient randomization and matching in a way more easily 'scattered' than a human system. Paradigm Clinical Research explains that a properly arranged patient pool and self-reporting will help sponsors gain a deeper understanding of their health.
This can also improve retention.
What the Future Holds for Clinical Trials
Digital clinical trials have a vast potential, but there are also a few significant risks to keep in mind. Juan Rojas explains that changes to procedures and systems in the middle of long-term, already running trials can pose a challenge for data retention and overall organization.
Unclear regulations when it comes to the digitization of clinical trials is also a primary concern, and changes in that regulatory guidance may be difficult to tract.
Data Analytics Show Promise
However, Paradigm Clinical Research Amazon lawsuit reports that data analytics serves as a place where the greatest potential can be seen. The tech to collect and make use of that information, especially with AI tools, is still very young, and not many sponsors or research institutions have put them into practice.
Finding The Right Talent
Juan De Borbon says that wearables and AI tools all sound great on paper and are sure to streamline the processes of clinical trials. However, there are still existing processes that can meet these same ends, albeit slower or with a wider margin of error.
Seeking out, vetting, and implementing these tools will prove difficult, especially when trials are already in place. However, Paradigm Clinical Research says that the potential rewards may be worth the risk.
Conclusion
Technology is rapidly transforming clinical trials, as it is with every modern infrastructure. Wearables, virtual meetings, and other overhead preserving tech improvements will help change the landscape of clinical trials.
There are some obstacles, like the process of vetting these programs and tools, but there are a great number of promising outcomes that may come from a digitally enhanced clinical trial.