Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes have numerous advantages over paper-based alternatives, but are often prohibitively expensive. Clinical SMS’s text message based system has all the advantages of paper-based techniques and introduces major cost saving by utilising commonplace low-cost technology. By capturing high-quality and time-stamped assessments, trial sponsors are able to run smaller, safer and more conclusive clinical research programs resulting in significant R&D cost savings.
Patient Data You Can Trust
| No Temporal Uncertainty | Patient responses are time stamped ensuring no retrospective or forward filling of questionnaires. |
| High Compliance | Patients are reminded when their reports are due and study staff can be notified if non-compliance continues. |
| No Missing Data | Required fields cannot be skipped, meaning no more incomplete questionnaires. |
| High Usability | Relying on commonplace technology means ease of use for all age groups. Mobile handsets are easily carried by the patient at all times. |
| Real Time Reporting | Patient outcomes can monitored in real time, increasing study safety and lowering the risk of SAEs. |
Reduce Study Costs
- Increased compliance means shorter studies
- No data entry/data cleaning
- Real time reporting allow remote monitoring of subjects.
- No need for expensive handsets – can use the patient’s own mobile phone.
How does it work?
An example of how the ediary system could be used is as follows: twice daily for the course of an asthma study every participant is sent a text message containing 4 questions about their symptoms. For instance:
“Do you have a cough? Do you have a wheeze Do you have a sore throat? Do you have a headache?”
The participant replies to this message and the Clinical SMS system validates and stores the data, including the time the reply was sent. If the participant fails to reply within a certain timeframe they are sent a reminder. If their reply is incomplete or outside of the acceptable ranges they are asked to try again. The study coordinator is able to view the live data as it comes in on the Clinical SMS system or have it sent to their inbox. It is also possible to have the system check the data and flag up any untoward events, informing the study staff if a participant’s symptoms were to increase above a certain level.
Find out more…
If you would like to find out how Clinical SMS could help with your trial, or you would like to see our eDiary system in action contact us now.