In the intricate and rapidly evolving landscape of clinical trials, integrating efficient and cutting-edge technology solutions has become a paramount concern for industry leaders. With a spectrum of challenges, from operational inefficiencies to stringent security demands, Single Sign-On technology has emerged as a pivotal innovation, poised to transform the sector. We sat down with Elisa Cascade, Chief Product Officer at Advarra, to dissect the impact of Single Sign-On (SSO) technology on the clinical trials industry. This comprehensive interview unveils the essential role of SSO, its extensive benefits, and the advanced strategies Advarra employs to surmount integration and compatibility hurdles, securing a future-proof solution for the sector.
Moe: Could you detail the challenges that have necessitated the need for Single Sign-On systems in clinical trials?
Elisa Cascade: The clinical trials industry is steering through a tempest of challenges, exacerbated by the Great Resignation and a surging demand for advanced data technology and diversity. These issues and the increasing complexity of trials demand a more substantial volume of seasoned site personnel. Our surveys have spotlighted technology as a significant impediment, with sites struggling to navigate through multiple systems, leading to operational inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities. This scenario underscores the urgent need for a robust solution like SSO technology to alleviate these burdens and streamline site operations.
Moe: How does Single Sign-On technology benefit clinical trial sites and sponsors?
Elisa Cascade: Single Sign-On (SSO) technology stands as a beacon of efficiency, significantly simplifying processes for clinical trial sites ensnared by the need to access over 22 different systems for a single study. SSO technology streamlines operational efficiency and fortifies security measures, mitigating breach risks and enhancing data protection. This dual advantage positions SSO technology as an indispensable asset in the contemporary clinical trial framework.
Moe: How is Advarra tackling the integration and compatibility challenges of deploying Single Sign-On technology across diverse software ecosystems?
Elisa Cascade: Addressing the integration and compatibility of SSO technology across a complex software ecosystem presents notable challenges, especially considering the diversity of platforms utilized in clinical trials. Advarra capitalizes on its established relationships and integrations with many study sites as a foundational move to expand our SSO technology solution. We utilize standardized technology protocols, like SAML, to enable seamless integration, ensuring our SSO technology solution remains adaptable and capable of satisfying the varied technological needs of clinical trial sites.
Moe: Can you elaborate on how the SSO solution enhances clinical staff and investigators’ user experience and security?
Elisa Cascade: Our SSO solution is intricately designed to address common operational challenges, such as software fatigue, access delays, and the administrative overhead of managing multiple login credentials. By enabling smoother navigation and access to essential tools and information, we substantially reduce the need for manual tracking and effort duplication, thereby boosting operational efficiency. Security-wise, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and reliance on site-specific credentials, emphasizes our commitment to upholding the highest data security and privacy standards, ensuring our SSO technology solution exceeds industry norms.
Moe: With the swift pace of technological advancements, notably the integration of AI, how does Advarra ensure the Single Sign-On technology remains interoperable and future-proof?
Elisa Cascade: The swift technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) integration into clinical trials, pose challenges and opportunities for SSO solutions. Advarra’s strategy revolves around standardizing SSO protocols, laying a foundation for ensuring interoperability and adaptability amidst technological evolution. While AI introduces new dimensions, we focus on leveraging these advancements to streamline existing tools and processes, ensuring our SSO technology solution stays ahead of technological innovation.
Moe: How does Advarra continually incorporate feedback from study sites and sponsors to refine the SSO solution?
Elisa Cascade: Advarra embraces a proactive stance in integrating feedback from study sites and sponsors, acknowledging the critical importance of continual improvement to deliver a solution that aligns with the industry’s evolving demands. Through regular collaboration calls, customer advisory boards, and individual conversations, we engage with our users to collect insights and feedback, enabling us to refine and enhance our SSO technology solution, ensuring it remains attuned to our users’ needs and continues to redefine efficiency and security standards in clinical trial management.
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.
