Clinical trial research is a cornerstone of NIH’s work, and using digital technology to conduct that research could be transformative. This technology has the potential not only to reduce the cost and time for research; it also will benefit patients.
The use of advanced analytics, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and data mining can facilitate better screening of patients, ensuring that only those likely to respond to the trial intervention will be selected for trials. Likewise, the use of long-distance communications technology, such as FaceTime, Skype, telehealth services, and other types of virtual visits, can assure more complete patient follow-ups—and in the end, more successful trial outcomes.
Before making any decisions about how to advance the use of this technology, however, researchers must consider a host of issues—e.g., racial equity and gender differences and preferences, potential biases in observational versus causal data, and the possible need for computational simulations to reduce the sample size and length of trials.
These and other issues will be explored in-depth in this workshop, which will be hosted by the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, its Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, and the National Science Foundation’s Smart and Connected Health Program. The main objectives:
- Determine how best to leverage digital technology to transform clinical trials (e.g., decrease cost, improve enrollment and retention, adherence).
- Review best practices that enhance clinical trials, such as the use of videos, mobile apps, text-based messaging, sensors, and other platforms.
- Determine how to increase participant diversity and curb the digital divide.
- Determine what can be done now, and what are future priorities.
- Discuss implementation strategies using digital technology in future clinical trials, including workforce considerations.