At the 2023 Medidata NEXT conference, prominent figures like Michelle Hartman from South Broward Research, Adam Kinsey from Merck, Michael Buckley from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Jimmy Bechtel from the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the latest clinical trial tech. Their dialogue centered on enhancing site-sponsor communication, the effective use of technology for administrative tasks and patient support, and the complexities of financial management in clinical trials. These industry experts highlighted how technology is pivotal in strengthening relationships between sites and sponsors, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the success of clinical research projects.
Cultivating Mutual Respect Through Latest Clinical Trial Tech Tech
Michelle Hartman of South Broward Research emphasized the importance of effective communication and respect as foundational elements in sponsor-site relationships. She highlighted how the advent of digital platforms, such as video conferencing, has transformed interaction dynamics within the clinical trial sphere. These technologies, in her view, have the potential to create more personal and engaging connections between research sites and sponsors, an essential factor in building trust and understanding.
Adam Kinsey from Merck brought to the table the company’s dedication to fostering robust relationships with clinical research sites. This approach is rooted in a survey that evaluates site-specific challenges and emphasizes engaging with sites as equal partners. Merck’s strategy aligns with the need for personalized communication channels discussed by Michelle Hartman, demonstrating sponsor recognition of the value of transparency and reciprocity in sponsor-site interactions.
Technology as a Catalyst for Clinical Excellence
Michael Buckley from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center addressed how their innovative use of the latest clinical trial tech has reduced site burden and improved data quality and trust by sponsors. By automating the transfer of medical records into EDC systems using HL7 FHIR standards, they have enhanced data accuracy and efficiency and significantly eased the administrative burden on clinical staff. This technological leap has resolved a key challenge in site-sponsor dynamics—reducing the friction caused by data management issues. It exemplifies a proactive technological approach to addressing common hurdles in clinical trials that can foster a more collaborative and trusting relationship between sites and sponsors.
Addressing Site Payment Tracking with The Latest Clinical Trial Tech Aid
The panel focused on the role of advanced technology in streamlining the financial management of increasingly complex clinical trials. The panelists emphasized that they demand more sophisticated financial tracking and budgeting strategies as clinical trials evolve. To meet these needs, they highlighted the adoption of specialized budgeting software and tools designed specifically for the clinical research context.
These advanced financial management technologies are pivotal for monitoring and analyzing financial trends in real-time for sponsors and sites. They provide a transparent and efficient way to handle budgets, making the financial aspects of clinical trials more manageable and comprehensible and facilitating on-time site payments. The software typically includes features for tracking expenditures, forecasting budgets, and generating financial reports, essential for making informed decisions throughout the trial lifecycle.
Reducing Site and Patient Burden With Patient-Centric Clinical Trial Tech
The panel, including Michelle Hartman, emphasized the urgent need for better patient technical support in clinical trials. They highlighted the critical role of research sites in assisting patients with new technologies, noting the importance of designing intuitive and user-friendly tools. Recognizing the impact of complex technologies on patients’ trial experiences and the additional support required from site staff, the panel emphasized the need for simplicity and ease of use in patient-facing technologies. Additionally, there was a discussion cautioning against the pitfalls of technology overload. The excessive use of multiple disparate platforms can lead to a cumbersome experience for both sites and patients.
Michelle Hartman’s role in the Site Tech Board, a collaborative initiative with Medidata, was presented as a key example of how the industry addresses these challenges. The Board focuses on integrating feedback from clinical sites, those at the forefront of the latest clinical trial tech and patient interaction, into developing and improving these tools. This approach ensures that the technologies are technically effective and meet patients’ practical needs and preferences, aiming to enhance their overall experience in clinical trials and encourage participation by making technology more approachable and less daunting.
Furthermore, speakers stressed the need for a judicious approach to technology adoption, advocating for streamlined and integrated digital solutions. Panelists called for streamlined systems to be easily reused across different studies, advocating for a seamless, uniform technology approach. This harmonization is essential not just for operational efficiency but also for reducing system variability, which diminishes the risk of errors, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of trial data.
Moe Alsumidaie is Chief Editor of The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Moe holds decades of experience in the clinical trials industry. Moe also serves as Head of Research at CliniBiz and Chief Data Scientist at Annex Clinical Corporation.
