Virtual Technologies Used in Clinical Research

Virtual or remote clinical trials are becoming increasingly popular due to the many benefits they offer study participants, including the ease of participating from home or office and reduced time commitment. Remote clinical trials also benefit the research team because they can recruit a more diverse participant population from a wider geographic area. For the most part, virtual clinical trials are possible due technologies that have been developed or adapted for clinical trial use.

Wearables

One of the most common technologies used in virtual clinical trials is wearable devices. These devices allow the participant to record data remotely, taking away the requirement of going to a doctor's office.

In addition, wearables provide more continuous data recording options, such as when completing different physical activities and at varying times of the day. This enables the research team to have a more comprehensive overview of the participant's health while undergoing the clinical trial.

Wearables also offer the benefit of collecting and uploading information directly from the participant and not requiring them to upload the information themselves. This ensures that data is collected in a timely manner and is not altered by the participant.

Virtual Clinical Visits

The telehealth technology used for remote doctor visits is also used in the clinical trials setting. This option allows participants from all geographical locations to speak to the research team whenever either party needs to ask questions or record information, and for regularly scheduled remote study visits.

Virtual clinical visits also allow the research team to observe the participant despite not being in the same location. They can complete any questionnaires via telehealth or observe the participant's responses to specific triggers.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality devices may offer a higher level of participant involvement and interaction while creating a more controlled testing environment. This remote clinical trial technology allows researchers to observe the participant's reactions and outcomes when provided with certain instructions or stimulations, and it is especially popular within the field of neurological disorders.

Apps

Some clinical trials utilize apps in order to record data. Participants simply use the app to answer questions and to record certain vital signs such as heart rate, which the research team can then review. Apps offers the participant the ease of filling in the required fields on any device that supports the app, and it allows the research team to review the uploaded information instantaneously.

Other apps can help remind participants to take study medication at a specific time and to note in the app when the medication has been taken. The clinical trial team can then ensure that study medication is taken at consistent times. It can also help them evaluate the effect of the medication based on how long it has been in the body.

If you are interested in joining a study, you can use ClinicalConnection.com to search clinical trials near you and learn more about what is available.

You can also sign up now to receive alerts for when clinical trials begin recruiting near you.