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Symons T, Woollett A, Zalcberg J, Eckstein L. Implementing Decentralized Clinical Trials in Australia through Teletrials: Where to From Here? Ther Innov Regul Sci 2024:10.1007/s43441-024-00658-x. [PMID: 38683418 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-024-00658-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Implementation of decentralized approaches can improve access to clinical trials. The Australian government has focused on a teletrial model, which resources and upskills health care organisations to enable collaboration in trials to extend to rural and remote areas. This commentary describes the Australian teletrial model, its context within the established DCT model, its value, and likely challenges moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Symons
- T Symons Associates Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - John Zalcberg
- Cancer Research Program, School of Public Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Hey SP, Dellapina M, Lindquist K, Hartog B, LaRoche J. Digital Health Technologies in Clinical Trials: An Ontology-Driven Analysis to Inform Digital Sustainability Policies. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2023; 57:1269-1278. [PMID: 37544966 PMCID: PMC10579130 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-023-00560-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health technologies (DHTs) can facilitate the execution of de-centralized trials that can offer opportunities to reduce the burden on participants, collect outcome data in a real-world setting, and potentially make trial populations more diverse and inclusive. However, DHTs can also be a significant source of electronic waste (e-waste). In recognition of the potential health and environmental impact from DHT use in trials, private and public institutions have recently launched initiatives to help measure and manage this e-waste. But in order to develop sound e-waste management policies, it will be necessary to first estimate the current volume of e-waste that results from the use of DHTs in trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS A Web Ontology Language (OWL)-compliant ontology of DHTs was created using a list of 500 DHT device names derived from a mixture of public and private sources. The U.S. clinical trials registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, was then queried to identify and classify trials using any of the devices in the ontology. The ClinicalTrials.gov records from this search were then analyzed to characterize the volume and properties of trials using DHTs, as well as estimating the total volume of individual DHT units that have been provisioned (or are planned to be provisioned) for clinical research. RESULTS Our ontology-driven search identified 2326 unique clinical trials with a reported "actual" enrollment of 200,947 participants and a "planned" enrollment of an additional 4,094,748 participants. The most-used class of DHTs in our ontology was "wearables," (1852 trials), largely driven by the use of smart watches and other wrist-worn sensors (estimated to involve 149,391 provisioned devices). The most-used subtype of DHTs in trials was "subcutaneous" devices (367 trials), driven by the prevalent use and testing of glucose monitors (estimated to involve 17,666 provisioned devices). CONCLUSION Thousands of trials, involving hundreds of thousands of devices, have already been completed, and many more trials (potentially involving millions more devices) are planned. Despite the great opportunities that are afforded by DHTs to the clinical trial enterprise, if the industry lacks the ability to track DHT use with sufficient resolution, the result is likely to be a great deal of e-waste. A new ontology of DHTs, combined with rigorous data science methods like those described in this paper, can be used to provide better information across the industry, and in turn, help create a more sustainable and equitable clinical trials enterprise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Dellapina
- Prism Analytic Technologies, 245 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Kristin Lindquist
- Prism Analytic Technologies, 245 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Bert Hartog
- Janssen-Cilag B.V., 4837 DS, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Jason LaRoche
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Raritan, NJ, 08869, USA
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Randell RL, Hornik CP, Curtis L, Hernandez AF, Denwood T, Nebeker C, Sugarman J, Tyl B, Murakami M, Oley Wilberforce L, Pagoto S, Vedin O, Andersson T, Carrasquillo O, Dolor R, Kollins SH, Pellegrino J, Ranney ML. "Click and mortar" opportunities for digitization and consumerism in trials. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 132:107304. [PMID: 37481202 PMCID: PMC10530120 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digitization (using novel digital tools and strategies) and consumerism (taking a consumer-oriented approach) are increasingly commonplace in clinical trials, but the implications of these changes are not well described. METHODS We assembled a group of trial experts from academia, industry, non-profit, and government to discuss implications of this changing trial landscape and provide guidance. RESULTS Digitization and consumerism can increase the volume and diversity of trial participants and expedite recruitment. However, downstream bottlenecks, challenges with retention, and serious issues with equity, ethics, and security can result. A "click and mortar" approach, combining approaches from novel and traditional trials with the thoughtful use of technology, may optimally balance opportunities and challenges facing many trials. CONCLUSION We offer expert guidance and three "click and mortar" approaches to digital, consumer-oriented trials. More guidance and research are needed to navigate the associated opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Randell
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Christoph P Hornik
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lesley Curtis
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Adrian F Hernandez
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tom Denwood
- Population Health Partners LLPShort Hills, NJ, USA
| | - Camille Nebeker
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jeremy Sugarman
- Berman Institute of Bioethics and Department of Medicine,Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benoit Tyl
- Bayer Healthcare SAS, La Garenne Colombes, France
| | | | | | - Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Olveen Carrasquillo
- Division of General Internal Medicine Co-Director, Miami Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI), University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rowena Dolor
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott H Kollins
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Akili, Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Megan L Ranney
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Hanley DF, Bernard GR, Wilkins CH, Selker HP, Dwyer JP, Dean JM, Benjamin DK, Dunsmore SE, Waddy SP, Wiley KL, Palm ME, Mould WA, Ford DF, Burr JS, Huvane J, Lane K, Poole L, Edwards TL, Kennedy N, Boone LR, Bell J, Serdoz E, Byrne LM, Harris PA. Decentralized clinical trials in the trial innovation network: Value, strategies, and lessons learned. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e170. [PMID: 37654775 PMCID: PMC10465321 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
New technologies and disruptions related to Coronavirus disease-2019 have led to expansion of decentralized approaches to clinical trials. Remote tools and methods hold promise for increasing trial efficiency and reducing burdens and barriers by facilitating participation outside of traditional clinical settings and taking studies directly to participants. The Trial Innovation Network, established in 2016 by the National Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Science to address critical roadblocks in clinical research and accelerate the translational research process, has consulted on over 400 research study proposals to date. Its recommendations for decentralized approaches have included eConsent, participant-informed study design, remote intervention, study task reminders, social media recruitment, and return of results for participants. Some clinical trial elements have worked well when decentralized, while others, including remote recruitment and patient monitoring, need further refinement and assessment to determine their value. Partially decentralized, or "hybrid" trials, offer a first step to optimizing remote methods. Decentralized processes demonstrate potential to improve urban-rural diversity, but their impact on inclusion of racially and ethnically marginalized populations requires further study. To optimize inclusive participation in decentralized clinical trials, efforts must be made to build trust among marginalized communities, and to ensure access to remote technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F. Hanley
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gordon R. Bernard
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Consuelo H. Wilkins
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Harry P. Selker
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
- Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jamie P. Dwyer
- University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Utah Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Daniel Kelly Benjamin
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sarah E. Dunsmore
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Salina P. Waddy
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Wiley
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marisha E. Palm
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
- Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - W. Andrew Mould
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins BIOS Clinical Trials Coordinating Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel F. Ford
- Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeri S. Burr
- University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Karen Lane
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lori Poole
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Terri L. Edwards
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nan Kennedy
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Leslie R. Boone
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jasmine Bell
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emily Serdoz
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Loretta M. Byrne
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Paul A. Harris
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Leroy V, Gana W, Aïdoud A, N'kodo JA, Balageas AC, Blanc P, Bomia D, Debacq C, Fougère B. Digital health technologies and Alzheimer's disease clinical trials: might decentralized clinical trials increase participation by people with cognitive impairment? Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:87. [PMID: 37106429 PMCID: PMC10133908 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01227-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic trials in Alzheimer's disease (AD) face many obstacles-particularly with regard to screening and recruitment. DISCUSSION Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are being developed in other diseases and appear to be of value for overcoming these difficulties. The use of remote visits offers hope of broader recruitment and thus a reduction in inequalities due to age, geography, and ethnicity. Furthermore, it might be easier to involve primary care providers and caregivers in DCTs. However, further studies are needed to determine the feasibility of DCTs in AD. A mixed-model DCT might constitute the first step towards completely remote trials in AD and should be assessed first.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoire Leroy
- Department of Geriatrics, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France.
- Memory Clinic, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France.
| | - Wassim Gana
- Department of Geriatrics, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France
| | - Amal Aïdoud
- Department of Geriatrics, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France
- EA4245 T2i, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | | | - Pascal Blanc
- Department of Geriatrics, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France
- Memory Clinic, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France
| | | | - Camille Debacq
- Department of Geriatrics, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France
| | - Bertrand Fougère
- Department of Geriatrics, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France
- EA 7505 Education, Ethics, Health, Tours University, Tours, France
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Nyholm Gaarskjær A, Crookshanks Duroux M, Hogreffe R. Participant comprehension and perspectives regarding the convenience, security, and satisfaction with teleconsent compared to in-person consent: A parallel-group pilot study among Danish citizens. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 28:100927. [PMID: 35669485 PMCID: PMC9163420 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Teleconsent via video conferencing enables decentralized trials with remote consent and has the additional benefit of allowing a real-time reaction to potential misunderstandings. However, participant acceptance of and satisfaction with teleconsent versus in-person consent processes are unknown. Methods We conducted a parallel-group pilot study to evaluate participant comprehension and perspectives regarding the convenience, security, and satisfaction with teleconsent compared to in-person consent among Danish citizens for a hypothetical research study. Results There were no statistically significant differences in perceptions of security or satisfaction between teleconsent and in-person consent arms. However, participants viewed teleconsent as more convenient than in-person consent, as no transportation was needed and the process was less time-consuming. Recruitment was also faster in the teleconsent arm, and more people dropped out of the in-person arm, citing difficulties with transportation and time. Conclusion Decentralized clinical trials have been demonstrated to increase recruitment and enrollment rates, improve trial efficiency, and decrease dropout rates and trial delays. We add to this literature by suggesting that patients perceive teleconsent as similar to in-person consent, suggesting this is a feasible and acceptable substitution for in-person consent in multisite, decentralized trials. Future work should include patient perspectives from a larger, more diverse group of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Nyholm Gaarskjær
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Health Science and Technology (HST), Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Meg Crookshanks Duroux
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Health Science and Technology (HST), Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
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Abstract
At the end of 2020, Karger's Digital Biomarkers, together with Evidation Health, produced a special issue entitled "The Future of Digital Health." This brief meeting report provides an overview of the expert panel and workshop that were held in early 2021 to explore key topics raised in the special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Kumar
- Evidation Health Inc., San Mateo, California, USA
| | - Ieuan Clay
- Evidation Health Inc., San Mateo, California, USA
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Wegner M. New Approaches to Regulatory Innovation Emerging During the Crucible of COVID-19 : In Responding to a Global Health Crisis, Industry is Discovering New, Efficient Ways of Meeting Objectives. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2020; 55:463-466. [PMID: 33237474 PMCID: PMC7687208 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-020-00239-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The urgency and impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are changing global drug development and regulatory processes. The need for speed to understand the virus and develop new vaccines, medicines, and therapies for patients has provided unprecedented learning opportunities and revealed how the pharmaceutical industry can improve upon traditional processes. To stay competitive while remaining compliant with agency regulations and guidance, companies need to implement new process/tools that allow for more flexible work models, consider expanding the use of decentralized/hybrid trials, and capitalize on the use of real-world evidence (RWE) and cloud-based data systems. In addition, regulatory agencies should retain the agility exhibited during current reviews of potential new therapies, applying this momentum to other areas of unmet medical need. Further, agencies should consider a globally acceptable application platform. This article, by the Pharmaceuticals' Head of Regulatory Affairs at Bayer AG, examines how impacts of the COVID-19 crisis will continue beyond the pandemic period to the benefit of patients, drug developers, regulators, clinicians, and caregivers.
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