How to Use ePRO in Clinical Trials

Technology has changed the way we do things, and the field of clinical research is not an exception. One main area in which technology has improved in this industry is conducting clinical trials to evaluate clinical end results and quantitate drug effectiveness. In clinical trials, using Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes, commonly known as ePRO, is paramount and for good reasons.

Using the technology in clinical trials helps accelerate data collection, allows better analysis, and ensures improved data quality. It also offers a better patient experience and saves costs. This article will discuss an ePRO, how to use it in a clinical trial, and the benefits it offers over using traditional methods to collect patient data.

What is an Electronic Patient Reported Outcome (ePRO), and how to use it in Clinical Trials?

ePRO, an electronic data capture system, is one of the methods of data collection from patients through technology. It refers to patient-provided information about their health status collected via electronic methods via an app that patients can download on their iPhones, tablets, smartphones, or laptops. Therefore, the technology supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Also, ePRO vendors supply patients with devices preloaded with the technology.

The ePRO technology records participants’ responses, making data collection easier. Furthermore, other ePRO vendors provide technology with enhanced features, such as the ability to take videos, photos, and reminder alarms to improve patient compliance.

Benefits of the PRO solution

Using ePRO in clinical trials and care delivery offers many benefits compared to paper forms. Here are some of the benefits.

1. Cost reduction

Using ePROs in conducting clinical trials helps in cost reduction. Usually, the initial cost of designing and programming an ePRO platform is a bit high. But in the long run, it can help save costs. That is because using the ePRO app or device involves a very minimal workforce to register and process data. Also, the trial conducted using ePRO requires fewer participants to attain statistical significance because it is more precise, cutting the cost of patients’ enrollment.

2. Better participants experience

One popular way of using ePRO in clinical trials is via an easy-to-use app compatible with mobile phones. That makes it easy for the participants to report the outcomes and submit the reports virtually when necessary. Also, the ePRO platform has incredible features that give patients a better experience. Push notifications and reminders alert participants as to when to fill in the data.

Additionally, ePRO reduces the need for study participants to visit clinics and ask researchers for specific information. That is because the participants can submit their results virtually anytime, anywhere, which has reduced the burden. In addition, it has reduced the dropout rate among study participants.

3. Enhanced Data Security

One of the major concerns across the clinical research industry is data security. The use of electronically collected patient-reported enhances clinical trials. Implemented using top-notch data security levels where research participants can only access the platform using unique logins allowing researchers to verify the outcomes they receive are credible. In addition, it provides data pseudonymization and SSL encryption coupled with off-site backups.

4. Improved accuracy

Unlike paper questionnaires and diaries, when you employ ePRO site for trials, you are guaranteed accuracy. This as long as all end users receive suitable training on how to use ePRO technology. With manual methods, the collected participant’s information is keyed in by the research team, making mistakes inevitable. Furthermore, reading the participant’s handwriting on the forms to capture the information can be a hassle.

However, ePRO advance technology saves time and reduces errors. Furthermore, the data is entered electronically and fed directly into the system, so there is no room for error. That also speeds up the whole process.

5. Reduced Study Duration

An ePRO app is intuitive and helps reduce study time. Studies employing electronic data capture systems make work easier by designing research workflows, outlining questioning management, and generating eCRFS (electronic case report forms). Furthermore, the sponsors receive alerts when the participants submit the eCRFs. That enables them to receive and analyze the data almost in real time.

ePRO

In clinical trials, the use of ePRO apps and devices has dramatically increased due to the many benefits they provide for researchers and participants. It helps reduce study costs, reduces study duration, improves participants’ experience, enhances data experience, and improves data accuracy.