Revolutionizing Clinical Trials with eConsent

Clinical trials have become a major part of drug development and the life sciences. Enrolling in a clinical trial entails filling out many paper forms filled with information about the study that one may not even fully comprehend. For participants to give their consent, they need to understand all aspects of the medical research program. Recent developments in medical research and the technologies involved have introduced eConsent. This is a digital consent form filled out online by an individual intending to participate in clinical studies.

The eConsent Clinical Trials offers an easier way to get information and understand what the research is about. It helps alleviate the need for filling out paper forms and provides a more streamlined connection between the trial participants and the survey researchers. There are studies showing that it provides a more engaging trial and increases the experience of the participants.

Application of eConsent

To provide a more informed consent process, machine learning has been integrated into the online system. This is done by gathering data on which questions are frequently asked, information that is more useful, and information that is most requested by participants. This has shown an increase in patient engagement as now it is easier to access consent forms online. Data can also be shared with family members to further understand the participants’ role in the trial.

Details of the study are also included online and provide more information to the patient. By including audio and visual content in the online form, the patient will have more information at their fingertips to make smarter decisions.

Getting away from paper-based information and moving to electronic health records provides new opportunities to reach a larger geographical area and provides increased patient safety. The consent process becomes more efficient with new patients for clinical trials not needing to travel to research sites reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

The sharing of data between different trials can be easily streamlined without the need for moving large amounts of paper records. Patient’s EHR data can now be accessed easily and effectively when new clinical research takes place without the need for new registration. This creates a better engagement platform for patients. They can check the information and understand the requirements and implications of the study without being rushed or pressured to participate in the trial.

Benefits of eConsent

Information

Electronic data capture methods can be used to provide more information about the patient. Linking such EHR data with medical records can provide new insights into drug administration and the effects it may have. In addition, this is a way to ensure patients do not mix information about the clinical trial that may be critical to its success. New insights about participants in clinical trials, drug administration, and the digital health of a patient can be reviewed and protocol amendments put in place. This will address any issues that might arise in a more simplified manner.

Conveniency

Filling out consent forms from the comfort of their homes allows patients registering for new clinical trials to provide all the required information. Not forgetting to include certain documents or signatures that might not be included when traveling to research sites creates a more convenient method of conducting research.

Enrollment

Using online sites to reach a larger geographical sector is easier than requiring patients to travel to a specific clinic site. Information required for a clinical trial can be easily accessed online. Understanding the prerequisites of the study through information provided on the form in the manner of audio notes or videos can make it easier for new patients to understand the study and also enroll for it instead of reading through countless paper forms and printed notes with a lot of medical terms.

Cost

Clinical studies use new technologies, such as eConsent forms, to reduce costs by more than 18%, which can be applied elsewhere to improve results. The data received can also be stored in electronic form, and access to files can also be made from remote locations. This increases data integrity and security.