Highlights from The Global Innovation in Clinical Research & Operations Summit

Over the past several years, we have been seeing an influx of significant changes in the clinical trials industry ranging from changes in the way we approach clinical trials, and massive growth in new technologies.  This article will elaborate on my findings from the Global Innovation in Clinical Research & Operations conference in Princeton.

Novel Training Solutions:
In order to address inconsistencies associated with CRA performance (particularly at the CRO level), CRA Assessments spoke about an interesting assessment platform that standardizes subjectivity in GCP. This platform essentially puts CRAs through a simulation, where they review regulatory documentation and conduct monitoring visits electronically, and their performance is assessed through a consistent review process and are, correspondingly, issued a performance score.

Patient-Centric Models:
Another area of innovation includes the incorporation of patient centric models. GlobalCare Clinical Trials demonstrated how involving ambulatory healthcare clinicians can reduce the costs of clinical operations, and reduce subject attrition. The industry has been speaking about a variety of patient centric models, and we are starting to see growth in ambulatory care.

Advancements in Information Technology:
IT continues to experience growth, as several companies spoke about incorporating integrated IT solutions into clinical trials, which includes mobile devices.  Merge Healthcare spoke about its cloud-based eClinical OS, which offers access to a gamut of electronic systems from anywhere, and CTMS solutions for both Sponsors/CROs and Study Sites. These processes are designed to enhance data integrity and improve efficiency in data reporting.

Market Research Databases:
With the introduction of big data in biopharmaceuticals, comes the ability for senior level executives to analyze a variety of clinical trials.  Thomson Reuters’ Cortellis Clinical Trials Intelligence System enables senior level executives to access secondary market data on over 140,000 clinical trials, drugs, and biomarkers, which can put executives at a competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways:
While a lot of clinical operations personnel still appear to exhibit a level of modesty, the introduction of novel solutions is pushing us to change the way we think about executing and operationalizing clinical trials in the new economy.

Moe Alsumidaie, President & Chief Scientific Officer, Annex Clinical. Moe Alsumidaie can be reached here. If you are interested in joining the discussion, apply to the Breakthrough Solutions in Clinical Trials & Healthcare Group.