Most every clinical trial today is utilizing some form of Electronic Data Capture (EDC). An EDC system allows for easier data collection, data checking and cleaning, and a real-time view into all data across the study. In most cases, clinical trial data are collected on paper CRFs or in other systems, such as an EHR/EMR system, and later transcribed into the EDC application for the study.
Data is collected this way for many reasons, but one of the most likely reasons is that EDC systems are not always as user friendly as they should be. Many EDC systems are older application with user interfaces that are not very user friendly, and require many clicks and screen changes. Sometimes these systems are also slow. Additionally, in a clinical research setting, it isn’t always easy to have a computer and its different peripherals in the same room as the patient during a study visit. Sometimes an Internet connection isn’t available or a network or Wi-Fi signal might not be strong enough for a constant connection. In some clinical settings, an outside Internet connection could be locked down for various security reasons.
A mobile EDC application, one that runs on a tablet or mobile device, is one alternative to allow for collecting clinical trial data, while with the patient, without all of the burdens presented by typical EDC systems. Mobile EDC offers the ability to easily collect data while “at the foot of the patient”. A mobile EDC solution often runs on tablets, and sometimes mobile phones. They are typically an actual app (iOS/Android), with all of the security that is expected of a regulated data capture system (21 CFR Part 11, etc…).
A tablet device is much easier for a researcher to carry directly into a treatment room than a full computer system would be. Mobile EDC applications should offer an intuitive, touchscreen interface that users have become used to with other tablet applications. This simple user interface aims to better facilitate the work of the clinical research staff and allow for real time data capture into the eCRF, without requiring the transcribing of data into the EDC at a later time. Navigating between eCRFs or patient records should be easily completed with typical tablet gestures, such as clicking with the finger or swiping.
A mobile EDC solution should also allow for offline data entry. This is particularly helpful when dealing with rural study sites, or those sites with weak network signals or restricted access. A mobile EDC solution that collects data in an offline mode should also automatically manage the data synchronization once an Internet connection is available.
A mobile EDC app could also allow for the use of the device camera in order to capture a picture that can be uploaded into an eCRF. In some cases, the mobile EDC application could allow for the connection of Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as BP machines, glucometers, or EKG/ECG systems. These device integrations are not as easily managed with a traditional EDC application running on a desktop computer in the front office or reception area.
Another benefit of an EDC mobile application is access to real-time data. With eCRF data being captured directly while the patient is being treated, clinical trial managers and other executive staff with Sponsor or CRO will have immediate access to the latest EDC data, without waiting for data to be transcribed or entered later from paper or other systems. This allows for a real-time and holistic view of the entire clinical trial and its data.
Interested in hearing more about an EDC mobile application? Ennov’s EDC Mobile application contains all of the above-mentioned features and functionality, along with many others. It can be deployed in a clinical study in conjunction with a traditional EDC system, such as the Ennov EDC application, or as a stand-alone solution. Contact us to find out more, or to schedule a live demonstration of Ennov’s EDC Mobile.