8 Features To Consider When Choosing Clinical Trial Software
Recent technological advancements have seen clinical trials move from manual to automated methodologies, which are faster and more efficient in data analysis. However, the market has several to offer, and it would help to assess each option and select software that meets the needs of your clinical research. That means you must consider the features, given that different clinical trial designs have varying demands. Here are some insights on elements to consider when choosing clinical trial software:
- Design
Choosing an appropriate design helps optimize the final product for the clinical trial. It depends on the research intent, characteristics of the disease under investigation, the availability of a control group, and financial resources. This includes uncontrolled trials, placebo-controlled trials, crossover trials, single-arm trials, and more.
Clinical trial software is built to adapt to these various designs. Thus, choosing the most efficient one for your proposed design is critical.
- Electronic Data Capture
In clinical trials, electronic data capture (EDC) involves using systems to collect clinical trial data in electronic form instead of doing it manually on paper. Today, most clinical trials use electronic data capture, and purchasing software with this capability would be best. For instance, Formedix software allows you to build your clinical trial in leading sites like Rave and Inform. Moreover, you can use different EDCs in various clinical trial stages, making your research more thorough and unbiased.
- Compliance
The software you choose for your clinical trial should meet all security and quality standards outlined by relevant regulatory bodies in your country. Many jurisdictions have guidelines on the security and privacy of patient information. On this account, software that encrypts data and limits access to authorized participants is the best.
You can also have an audit trail that provides support and documentation required by the contract research organization to authenticate your security actions. With such, you can avoid the risks associated with non-compliance with clinical research regulations and documentation.
- Automated Processes
Automation additions are an excellent factor when choosing clinical trial software because they save time and money.
Data entry is one area you can optimize by automation. Manually loading results into an excel sheet is time-consuming and usually prone to error. Remember, figures mean a lot in clinical trials. Thus, accuracy is necessary.
On this account, you’re better off with software with automation features, guaranteeing faster and more accurate results. Automatic data backups are also a plus, ensuring you avoid unfortunate events of losing data.
- Integrations
An excellent clinical trial software has the capacity to integrate with other systems. Choosing tools that can integrate lets you automatically transfer data between them, eliminating the need to do it manually, thus improving the accuracy of your research.
Typically, clinical trial sites desire to share the latest data with sponsors without having to send emails or faxes every time. Well-integrated software facilitates the sharing of essential documentation securely, thus improving coordination between the stakeholders and hastening the study. Integrated software also facilitates real-time monitoring and remote source data verification.
- Real-Time Data Reporting
Having up-to-date data is essential as it helps your team make informed decisions. Your trial relies on information to draw conclusions and hypotheses. Therefore, real-time data reporting is an excellent feature when choosing clinical trial software.
- User-Centered Experience
A clinical trial software should make things easier and more manageable. Remember, the study might already be complex, and you wouldn’t want a tool that worsens the situation. Therefore, select clinical trial software with a straightforward layout, seamless navigability, and an appealing user interface. If the software is too hard to comprehend and use, you might drag the study a lot and not hit the required timelines.
- Scalability
One thing about technology is that it gets better with time. The same should be said of the software you integrate into your trial. Ensure that the software can accommodate future changes. Most developers develop new tools to make your work easier. If this happens to your software, the additions shouldn’t adversely affect your ongoing clinical trial.
Conclusion
You can bank on the above features to select the appropriate software for your clinical trial. Remember, technology is advancing rapidly each year. A tool you used a few years ago may be outdated by now. So, constantly review your software needs for every new clinical trial.
Nevertheless, ensure you’re not blinded by irrelevant features that don’t add value to your research and procedures. Relevance to your study should be the primary driving force in your quest. This way, you can carry out successful clinical trials.
