Patient-Centric Trials: How Using Technology Can Enhance the Participant Experience

Traditionally, clinical trials emphasized scientific data collection and adherence to strict regulatory requirements. This focus on collecting standardized data provided helpful information regarding drug and therapeutic development but left much to be desired regarding the patient experience. 

For many people, the pre-patient-centric trial format resulted in inconvenient scheduling, lengthy visits to clinical research sites, and limited communication with researchers and clinicians. This was how things had always been done, yet 85% of trials failed to meet their recruitment goals and the average dropout rate hovered around 30%. 

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry began transitioning toward a patient-centric research model. Many biopharmas now use this format, but it wouldn’t be possible without technologies like mobile apps, wearable devices, and telemedicine. Here,  we explore the shift toward patient-centricity and explain how new technology makes it possible. 

Understanding Patient-Centric Clinical Trials

Before we look at the technologies that have made this evolution possible, it’s important to understand how patient-centric trials are unique. Data collection is still a key component of these trials, but the patient-centric approach emphasizes the importance of participant engagement and retention.

More specifically, patient-centric trials aim to:

• Eliminate barriers to trial participation
• Involve patients and their loved ones in trial design and feedback
• Provide a comfortable patient experience
• Make trial participation convenient and hassle-free

Further, patient-centric trials use modern technology to facilitate these goals. This prevents headaches, speeds up research, and reduces participant turnover.

3 Key Technologies Helping Enhance the Patient Experience

Various technologies have made the transition to patient-centric trials easier, but three, in particular, stand out. These include:

1. Mobile Apps

For many years, the only way for trial participants to interact with researchers and clinicians was through in-person visits and exams. Unfortunately, this approach only allowed for data collection inside research facilities. Mobile apps, on the other hand, allow data collection at all times, providing more representative and realistic information. 

Beyond collecting precision data, mobile apps make it easier for participants to adhere to trial guidelines. They streamline care coordination, provide medication reminders, and track and monitor medical conditions. Mobile apps also facilitate communication between patients and researchers. For example, trial participants can take and send photos or schedule telemedicine visits from the comfort of their homes.

2. Wearable Devices

Wearable devices like smartwatches, activity trackers, and biosensors make it easy to collect and store health data both in and outside research facilities. This alone saves trial participants the hassle of checking into a hospital or clinic for days or even weeks, but the benefits go even further. For instance, wearable devices:

• Help identify subtle changes in health parameters, making it easier to gauge treatment efficacy.
• Provide objective data that makes it easier for researchers to understand each participant’s health.
• Allow for real-time monitoring throughout the day, increasing the speed and accuracy of data collection.

At the same time, trial participants can use wearables to adhere to study guidelines. Devices are often programmed to provide personalized feedback, reminders, and incentives. Combined, these factors boost patient compliance and engagement, reducing the risk of churn.

3. Telemedicine

Telemedicine uses modern technology, like smartphones, tablets, and computers to share medical information securely online. This saves trial participants time by preventing the need for in-person visits, but it provides other benefits, too.

For example, people with rare diseases and genetic disorders often avoid enrolling in clinical trials because the requirements aren’t feasible. Telemedicine eliminates some of those barriers, by providing access virtually. It can also be integrated with wearable devices and mobile apps to enhance data collection and improve research accuracy.

Last, telemedicine allows for more holistic research. Since data can be collected around the clock ––in and outside of the research facility–– it’s easier for researchers to monitor a drug or therapeutic’s efficacy in real time. 

Overcoming Common Challenges to Technology Integration

Mobile apps, wearable devices, and telemedicine can help you design and achieve more patient-centric trials, but it’s important to remember that implementing these technologies takes time. 

Without the right strategy (and team to support you), you may face technological barriers, data privacy concerns, and participant turnover. 

Luckily, several strategies can help. We recommend:

Focusing on device compatibility. Make sure your mobile app is compatible with a range of wearable devices, operating systems, and smartphones. Likewise, push regular updates to guarantee ongoing compatibility.

Providing tech support services. If a wearable or mobile app malfunctions, who can trial participants turn to? Establishing a 24/7 tech support line lets you address issues quickly while reducing participant frustration and turnover.

Complying with data regulations. Often, data breaches are the direct result of poor regulatory compliance. Be sure your patient-centric trial follows regulations such as HIPPA, GDPR, and local laws that govern patient data.

Emphasizing transparent communication. Let each trial participant know how their data will be collected, stored, and used. Enrollees are much more likely to trust you (and your organization) if you have a clear and easy-to-understand privacy policy.

We Can Help You Transition to Patient-Centric Trials

About 38% of U.S.-based clinical trials are now patient-centric and that number is expected to continue growing in the coming decades. But if you’re used to the traditional clinical trial model, adopting new technologies and making them work can be daunting.

Partnering with a contract research organization like Harbor Clinical can help. We prioritize patient-centric trial models and can assist you in designing studies that better align with patient needs and expectations. To learn more about our capabilities, call (781) 775-0342 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website and complete the online contact form.