Trends To Note in Clinical Trials

Clinical trial statistics: what are they? In case you are wondering, they give us the insights we need to come up with better solutions for the future! Now there must be a research body that would conduct all these clinical trials, right? This is where Xcene Research comes into play.

We take these data points, exhaust all forms of examinations and tests on these data points, and provide them to institutions, hospitals, labs, organizations, etc. Now, these institutions make use of this examined data to produce results for human consumption, like drugs, medical write-ups, etc.

So, thanks to technology, there has been a shift in the medical research world. Perception and insights are just like checks and balances. Due to the increasing use of technology, these two variables put all the data in check. Basically, they are the constant variables to be on the lookout for when studying the trends that are occurring in the medical world today. Allow me, ladies, and gentlemen, to break down these trends.

1. Patient recruitment and enrollment in clinical trials: Researchers now are being creative with the way they gather data. How do they do this?

Simple, by trading traditional processes for virtual or decentralized opportunities. The introduction of technology into the medical world has resulted in an overall positive clinical trial experience. As the saying goes, numbers don’t lie, right? Did you know that in 2019, 15% of respondents mentioned that smartphone apps for study data collection were used during their clinical research study? And in 2021, the numbers went up by a whopping 24%! Wow! 47% of respondents mentioned that wearable devices were used during their study, while 19% mentioned it in 2021, with 40% indicating that they were very helpful for the study. Technology like apps and wearables helps researchers by providing real-time data. However, the experience is different when it involves the physical presence of the researcher. This is the downside to one-on-one contact. Yeah, the researcher gets access to a small window provided by the patient, and to be honest, we live in a world where humans let you know what they only wanted you to know, right? And this isn’t sufficient when we are dealing with human lives. Don’t you agree? One honest response can save thousands of lives.

2. The second trend! Potential clinical trial participants are learning about study opportunities. In other words, everyone is a potential clinical respondent, and we are all learning. A horror movie in 2020. We can attest that it was the scariest year ever!!! The whole world stopped!!! Technology, being a superhero, came to our rescue. It was our only source of survival information. One very important benefit of digital patient recruitment is the ability to reach patients online whenever and wherever, especially on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, as well as search platforms like Google and Microsoft. How cool is that?

Statistics from CISCRP’s 2021 survey (The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation) showed that social media is now one of the top avenues where clinical trial participants learn about research studies. According to statistics, social media, which was 15%, came second, just right under local advertisements like newspapers, radios, TVs, etc. Fun fact alert! 16% of participants learned about studies through their PCP (primary care physician) or a specialist, but in 2021, only 10% said they learned about studies through their doctor. This is a major shift!! This highlights the importance of having a strong social media strategy for patient recruitment.

3. Thirdly, the diversity of representation. This is very interesting because we believe that our strength is found in our diversity. Do you agree, though?

I bet you didn’t know that 64% of all respondents from CISCRP’s survey indicated that they know that the staff conducting the study, that is, doctors and coordinators, are representative of diverse communities. Well, now you know. The thing is when it comes to clinical research, diversity, equity, and inclusion are all very important. 73% of respondents said that before deciding to participate in a clinical research study, it is either somewhat important or very important for them to know that other clinical trial participants are representing other diverse communities.

In conclusion, a lack of diversity in clinical trials can make it particularly challenging to get a complete picture of drug safety. In layman’s terms, a lack of diversity in clinical trials means a lack of complete drug safety, which spells DOOM for the entire human race!