In today’s era of advancing technology, electronic health records (EHRs) are revolutionizing data collection in the medical field. Can they also play a significant role in improving clinical research?
As the clinical trial landscape evolves with technological innovations, research processes are becoming more efficient and cost-effective. However, challenges persist, with recent studies indicating the substantial costs associated with drug testing and approval, ranging from $3.7 to $12 billion. Patient recruitment, comprising approximately 30% of these costs, remains a significant hurdle, partly due to the time-consuming nature of patient data collection, qualification, and organization at investigator sites.
EHRs offer a promising solution by providing a centralized repository of patient information accessible to all involved in clinical trials. While nearly 87% of office-based physicians utilize EHRs, sponsors and CROs have yet to fully harness their potential. Implementing EHR technologies can streamline and modernize clinical research processes, ultimately reducing costs.
Key Advantages of EHRs in Clinical Trials
- Enhanced Patient Recruitment: EHRs serve as valuable data sources for identifying patients who meet trial criteria. With a large percentage of individuals unaware of clinical trial opportunities, EHRs enable trials to reach a broader patient pool and connect them with relevant research opportunities.
- Improved Due Diligence: EHRs allow trials to conduct thorough assessments of patients post pre-screening, reducing the risk of recruitment failures. Access to pharmacy and insurance claim records enables sites to verify reported information, minimizing errors and optimizing patient selection.
- Expedited Data Reporting: EHRs streamline data reporting processes, leading to increased efficiency and accuracy. Auto-populating electronic case reporting forms significantly reduce reporting time, benefiting both patients and professionals.
Towards a Connected Clinical Trials Landscape
While EHRs offer immediate benefits, standardizing EHR formats is crucial for long-term industry advancement. This standardization ensures data compatibility, facilitating seamless communication between providers and researchers and dismantling data silos. By bridging the gap between clinical research and care delivery, standardized EHR formats strengthen recruitment pools for future studies.
In the interim, clinical trials can leverage EHR accessibility enhancements while embracing complementary recruitment strategies. Digital marketing initiatives on social and search platforms extend trial reach, connecting with interested patients and presenting study opportunities to relevant audiences.
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