Clinical research is the indispensable method for determining the safety and efficacy of new treatments for human diseases and conditions. As crucial as dedicated biologists and chemists, medical professionals, clinical operations experts, data managers, and biostatisticians are to successful research, realization would be impossible without the participation of patients and their caregivers. Yet many potential participants, despite their willingness to engage in research, have faced some inhibiting barriers. For many years now, the industry has made progress in easing patient and caregiver burden through ever-advancing technologies. The advent of practical artificial intelligence (AI) tools is another step forward in making clinical research comfortable and attractive to patients.
Vendors who provide the platforms and modules used in the industry have been working on applying AI to integrate and analyze many aspects of trial activities. Stipend payment and travel challenges are among the processes that directly affect patients and caregivers. Easing the coordination and implementation of payments and travel planning for clinical managers and site personnel can have a major impact on patient ease and enthusiasm for entering and remaining in a trial. The newest AI tools can, from the trial platform, collate data about site enrollment, budget allowances, and patient visit schedules to initiate direct deposits to banks or money-exchange apps, or send requests to vetted transportation providers at necessary times. Other uses of AI are triggers and reminders to patients and caregivers to submit e-consents and complete necessary trial documents or diaries. All of these functions, of course, also ease the burden of clinical operations and site personnel, allowing them to concentrate on the trial’s scientific objectives and their patients’ health.
It should be noted that, due to AI capabilities, some patients are hesitant to participate in trials out of concern that their personal health data risk exposure outside the Sponsor’s research system. Patient safety and security remain at the forefront of industry innovation and the industry continues to address data security and to be transparent in patient consent forms as to how the data will be kept and used.
At PROMETRIKA, we have consistently supported and implemented progressive, industry-vetted modalities to address patient needs and enhance experience. Our Data Management and Clinical Operations teams can assist Sponsors in selecting the tools that will be beneficial for each trial and overall program goals. We look forward to further developments in AI tools that positively impact patient trial participation.
