VP54 Digital Tools For More Efficient Conduct Of RCTs: Trials Unit Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (S1) ◽  
pp. 88-89
Author(s):  
Jacqui Nuttall ◽  
Athene Lane ◽  
Amanda Blatch-Jones ◽  
Gareth Griffiths ◽  
Jeremy Wyatt

IntroductionRecruitment of participants to, and their retention in, Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) is a key determinant of research efficiency, but is challenging. Digital tools and media are increasingly used to reduce costs, waste and delays in the conduct and delivery of research. The aim of this UK Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) survey was to identify which digital recruitment and retention tools are being used to support RCTs, their benefits and success characteristics.MethodsA survey was sent to all UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC)-registered CTUs with a webinar to help increase completion. A logic model and definitions of a “digital tool” were developed by iterative refinement by project team members, the Advisory Board (NIHR Research Design service, NHS Trust, NIHR Clinical Research Networks and patient input) and CTUs.ResultsA total of 24/52 (46%) CTUs responded, 6 (25%) of which stated no prior use. Database screening tools (e.g. CPRD, EMIS) were the tool most widely used (45%) for recruitment and were considered very effective (67%). The most mentioned success criteria were saving GP time and reaching more patients. Social media was second (27%), but estimated effectiveness varied considerably, with only 17% stating very effective. Fewer retention tools were used, with SMS / email reminders reported most (10/15 67%), but certainty about effectiveness varied. A detailed definition on what constitutes a digital tool with examples and a logic model showing relationships between the resources, activities, outputs and outcomes for digital tools was developed.ConclusionsDatabase screening tools are the most commonly used digital tool for recruitment, with clear success criteria and certainty about effectiveness. Our detailed definition of what constitutes a digital tool, with examples, will inform the NIHR research community about choices and help them identify potential tools to support recruitment and retention.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Jane Blatch-Jones ◽  
Jacqueline Nuttall ◽  
Abby Bull ◽  
Louise Worswick ◽  
Mark Mullee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Recruitment and retention of participants in Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) is a key determinant of success, but is challenging. Trialists and UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) are increasingly exploring the use of digital tools to identify, recruit and retain participants. The aim of this UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) study was to identify what digital tools are currently used by CTUs and understand the performance characteristics required to be judged useful.Methods A scoping of searches (and a survey with NIHR funding staff), a survey with all 52 UKCRC CTUs and 16 qualitative interviews were conducted with five stakeholder groups including trialists within CTUs, funders and research participants. A purposive sampling approach was used to conduct the qualitative interviews during March-June 2018. Qualitative data were analysed using a content analysis and inductive approach.Results Responses from 24 CTUs (46%) identified that database-screening tools were the most widely used digital tool for recruitment, with the majority being considered effective. The reason (and to whom) these tools were considered effective was in identifying potential participants (for both Site staff and CTU staff) and reaching recruitment target (for CTU staff/CI). Fewer retention tools were used, with Short Message Service (SMS) or email reminders to participants being the most reported. The qualitative interviews revealed five themes across all groups: ‘security and transparency’, ‘inclusivity and engagement’, ‘human interaction’, ‘obstacles and risks’ and ‘potential benefits’. There was a high level of stakeholder acceptance of the use of digital tools to support trials, despite the lack of evidence to support them over more traditional techniques. Certain differences and similarities between stakeholder groups demonstrated the complexity and challenges of using digital tools for recruiting and retaining research participants.Conclusions Our studies identified a range of digital tools in use in recruitment and retention of RCTs, despite the lack of high quality evidence to support their use. Understanding the type of digital tools in use to support recruitment and retention will help to inform funders and the wider research community about their value and relevance for future RCTs. Consideration of further focused digital tool reviews and primary research will help to reduce gaps in the evidence base.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Jane Blatch-Jones ◽  
Jacqueline Nuttall ◽  
Abby Bull ◽  
Louise Worswick ◽  
Mark Mullee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Recruitment and retention of participants in Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) is a key determinant of success, but is challenging. Trialists and UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) are increasingly exploring the use of digital tools to identify, recruit and retain participants. The aim of this UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) study was to identify what digital tools are currently used by CTUs and understand the performance characteristics required to be judged useful. Methods A scoping of searches (and a survey with NIHR funding staff), a survey with all 52 UKCRC CTUs and 16 qualitative interviews were conducted with five stakeholder groups including trialists within CTUs, funders and research participants. A purposive sampling approach was used to conduct the qualitative interviews during March-June 2018. Qualitative data were analysed using a content analysis and inductive approach. Results Responses from 24 CTUs (46%) identified that database-screening tools were the most widely used digital tool for recruitment, with the most frequent reported success criteria being saving General Practitioner time and reaching more patients. Fewer retention tools were used, with Short Message Service (SMS) or email reminders to participants being the most reported. The qualitative interviews revealed five themes across all groups: ‘security and transparency’, ‘inclusivity and engagement’, ‘human interaction’, ‘obstacles and risks’ and ‘potential benefits’. There was a high level of stakeholder acceptance of the use of digital tools to support trials, despite the lack of evidence to support them over more traditional techniques. Certain differences and similarities between stakeholder groups demonstrated the complexity and challenges of using digital tools for recruiting and retaining research participants. Conclusions Our studies identified a range of digital tools in use in recruitment and retention of RCTs, despite the lack of high quality evidence to support their use. Understanding the type of digital tools in use to support recruitment and retention will help to inform funders and the wider research community about their value and relevance for future RCTs. Consideration of further focused digital tool reviews and primary research will help to reduce gaps in the evidence base.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-79
Author(s):  
Stephan Traidl

Digital anamorphosis is used to define a distorted image of health and care that may be viewed correctly using digital tools and strategies. MASK digital anamorphosis represents the process used by MASK to develop the digital transformation of health and care in rhinitis. It strengthens the ARIA change management strategy in the prevention and management of airway disease. The MASK strategy is based on validated digital tools. Using the MASK digital tool and the CARAT online enhanced clinical framework, solutions for practical steps of digital enhancement of care are proposed.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 17-35 ◽  

Amplifying Spatial Awareness via GIS — Tech which brings Healthcare Management, Preventative & Predictive Measures under the same Cloud When it is not just about size, you gotta' be Smart, too! Chew on It! How Singapore-based health informatics company MHC Asia Group crunches big-data to uncover your company's health Digital tool when well-used, it is Passion Carving the Digital Route to Wellness Big Data, Bigger Disease Management and Current preparations to manage the Future Health of Singaporeans A Conversation with Mr Arun Puri Extreme Networks: Health Solutions Big Data in Clinical Research Sector


Breathe ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Chalmers ◽  
Megan Crichton ◽  
Pieter C. Goeminne ◽  
Michael R. Loebinger ◽  
Charles Haworth ◽  
...  

In contrast to airway diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, and rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis, there has been little research and few clinical trials in bronchiectasis. Guidelines are primarily based on expert opinion and treatment is challenging because of the heterogeneous nature of the disease.In an effort to address decades of underinvestment in bronchiectasis research, education and clinical care, the European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration (EMBARC) was established in 2012 as a collaborative pan-European network to bring together bronchiectasis researchers. The European Respiratory Society officially funded EMBARC in 2013 as a Clinical Research Collaboration, providing support and infrastructure to allow the project to grow.EMBARC has now established an international bronchiectasis registry that is active in more than 30 countries both within and outside Europe. Beyond the registry, the network participates in designing and facilitating clinical trials, has set international research priorities, promotes education and has participated in producing the first international bronchiectasis guidelines. This manuscript article the development, structure and achievements of EMBARC from 2012 to 2017.Educational aimsTo understand the role of Clinical Research Collaborations as the major way in which the European Respiratory Society can stimulate clinical research in different disease areasTo understand some of the key features of successful disease registriesTo review key epidemiological, clinical and translational studies of bronchiectasis contributed by the European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration (EMBARC) project in the past 5 yearsTo understand the key research priorities identified by EMBARC for the next 5 years


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dustin Wade Krysztofiak
Keyword(s):  

Tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) feature several natural inefficiencies due to the adaptable and sandbox nature of D&D campaigns and the game’s wargaming roots. One of the core failings of Dungeons & Dragons’ Fifth edition, according to users, is slow and disengaging combat. It is my belief that digital tools can be added to Dungeons & Dragons in such a way that their implementation does not limit physical gameplay while providing a variety of new tools to players. This paper proposes a tool that can avoid these pitfalls while improving combat and gameplay flow.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 1469-1480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziad A Massy ◽  
Fergus J Caskey ◽  
Patrik Finne ◽  
Jerome Harambat ◽  
Kitty J Jager ◽  
...  

Abstract The strengths and the limitations of research activities currently present in Europe are explored in order to outline how to proceed in the near future. Epidemiological and clinical research and public policy in Europe are generally considered to be comprehensive and successful, and the European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) is playing a key role in the field of nephrology research. The Nephrology and Public Policy Committee (NPPC) aims to improve the current situation and translation into public policy by planning eight research topics to be supported in the coming 5 years by ERA-EDTA.


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