Just as I wrote about virtual trials (interestingly came to know about it around the "Partnership in Clinical Trials" conference where there was a session on this topic), there was an update on this topic supporting my initial apprehensions of the practicality of this fascinating approach.
Miguel Orri, Senior Director of clinical sciences at Pfizer, at the ‘Partnerships in Clinical Trials’ conference, have indicated that the virtual trial "REMOTE" did not recruit.
Reasons:
- It did not ‘appreciate what patients need’ - Patients don’t want to divulge their medical information online, or to a pharma company.
- Another problem is that many patients affected by overactive bladder disorder are elderly, and do not use the internet as regularly as younger patients. (I've seen many granny's are on FaceBook these days.. shouldn't be a problem in the near future)
- Importantly, the aspects of the process were ‘quite complicated and tedious
Plan of Action from Pfizer:
Pfizer is collecting feedback from participants in the US trial to improvise the model. They have also now taken steps to revamp the model by creating a new call centre to helps patients through the initial steps.
This bitter start in US should help them with their European virtual trial, dubbed REMOTE 2.0. Pfizer said they would contract a recruitment vendor to help patients through the initial setup process, making it easier for patients. All participants in the European trial will also receive a communication device to help with updating their e-diaries.
source: InPharm
Previous Articles:
Virtual Clinical Trials - Pfizer leads the race
