With millions infected and casualties in the hundreds of thousands, the novel coronavirus has taken a significant toll on human health. It has also crippled economies and left millions without jobs. Now, there is immense pressure to find a treatment for COVID-19.
Sponsors, with support from regulators, health authorities and governments are starting COVID-19 clinical trials at record pace. There is also the need to safely provide ongoing care for patients enrolled in existing clinical trials for serious illnesses, such as cancer treatment.
If anything, COVID-19 shone a light on the vulnerabilities of today’s clinical trial operations. Across the board, functions ranging from investigational product management, clinical trial monitoring and trial management in general need to adapt.
COVID-19 as a Catalyst for Change
Overcoming resistance to – even fear of – technology is the way for clinical trials to operate safely and efficiently today and in the future. Now, more than ever, clinical trials need to be digital. The latest clinical trial information must be used to guide decisions, making it even more critical that communication is targeted to the right monitors and research staff at the right time.
Traditional approaches to clinical trial monitoring are proven to be vulnerable with COVID-19 disruptions. A risk-based strategy supported by the right technology allows monitors to respond faster to data that shows potential risk and to better support their sites.
Clinical trials are vital for evaluating and advancing medical and patient care. We can’t go back to the “old way” of doing things. With the pandemic as a catalyst for change, now is the time to modernize and simplify clinical trials.
Teckro clinical trial software provides a digital engagement platform to connect study stakeholders with the information they need, when they need it. With immediate access to critical study information, sites enroll the right patients faster and have fewer deviations.
Considering the challenges with COVID-19, Teckro can be applied to both accelerating infectious disease trials and preserving clinical trial continuity.