Traditional Clinical Trials are now becoming a thing of the past with CROs like Veristat embracing remote clinical trials. Though remote monitoring isn’t yet fully adopted, it’s still on the rise. Technology is the reason behind successful remote monitoring visits as it is replacing paperwork with instant processes. As a result, researchers can go through the system to capture all the information they need. So, you might wonder how this has become possible. Below are ways in which researchers can make remote monitoring visits more efficient.
Separate remote and in-person activities
Of course, the adoption of remote clinical trials doesn’t mean there are no traces of in-person activities. For remote monitoring to be complete, on-site visits are inevitable. That’s why any Clinical Research Organization must be ready to put a boundary between in-person activities and remote monitoring activities. For instance, you’ll need on-site visits for patients to grant you consent. On top of this, you’d need to comply with the trial protocols and policies put across. After remote data collection, researchers have the freedom to verify the information in person. For much efficient remote monitoring visits, researchers should know when remote or in-person activities are needed.
Encourage usage of remote tools to collect and manage study data
If researchers want to achieve efficient remote clinical trials and monitoring, they must uphold the transition from manual data collection methods to remote controls. This helps save on time and trial costs. The use of well-connected data collection tools is mandatory for successful remote monitoring. Furthermore, mobile apps can be used to carry out surveys on patients. Since patients cut on time and transport costs, it’s easier for researchers to carry out efficient remote monitoring.
Plan on having an electronic trial master file
Most importantly, remote monitoring seeks to replace paperwork with virtual processes. Therefore, researchers should choose tools that are compatible with FDA-compliant eSigning. This way, clinical trials become quick, easy, and efficient. In addition, a cloud-based solution would help sponsors access the information from anywhere. Electronic Trial Master Files also allow sponsors to easily sync their documents.
Ensure that sponsors can share documents via integrated systems
Since clinical trials involve quite many stakeholders, integrating the data is a must. As a result, the teams never struggle with duplicate content. Examples of such systems are EMR/ EHR and CTMS. They usually capture encrypted documents and store them in a single environment where it’s easy to access. Integrated systems help facilitate the storing and securing of document signatures. Consequently, it becomes easy to route documents according to policies. It’s also possible to allow authorized persons to access this data.
Embrace remote collaboration via video conferencing
Researchers ought to know the importance of collaboration with the teams. For remote monitoring, you’ll need to embrace web conferencing and video technology. Such tools facilitate the team’s collaboration remotely. They also promote virtual site visits and monitoring. Through these powerful tools, open communication amongst all stakeholders is possible. Therefore, collecting, verifying, and sharing the information across the relevant teams becomes straightforward.
Today, more researchers continue to adopt remote monitoring in their research trials. Even then, it’s important that you uphold the trial protocols put in place during the trial processes.