CTTI Update: Advancing the Use of Mobile Health Technology to Transform Clinical Trials

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Posted on by Lorri Bingham

CTTI Update: Advancing the Use of Mobile Health Technology to Transform Clinical Trials

Mobile technology has the potential to revolutionize clinical trials, but putting mobile clinical trials (MCTs) into action requires consideration of issues such as data integrity, legal and regulatory barriers, scientific and technological challenges, and perspectives of potential trial participants, investigators, and site staff. For the past two years, CTTI’s MCT Program has systematically explored barriers to MCTs, gathered evidence, and convened multiple stakeholders to tackle these issues.

By developing best practices on how to effectively integrate mobile technologies into clinical trials for regulatory submissions, CTTI intends to promote quality, efficient, and more cost-effective research. Recent developments include the following:

  • CTTI’s Recommendations for Developing Novel Endpoints Generated by Mobile Technology for Use in Clinical Trials were released in June and are prominently featured in a recent mHealth Action Plan from the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy.
  • CTTI’s recommendations are accompanied by several practical tools and case examples that describe the process of novel endpoint development for MCTs.
  • A survey of potential research participants, as well as in-depth interviews with site investigators on issues related to MCTs, are underway. Analysis of these results will begin this fall and will inform recommendations to overcome barriers to the use of mobile technology in clinical trials as perceived by key stakeholders.
  • CTTI presented “Turning Opportunity Into Reality: Real Data and Practical Guidance for Incorporating Mobile Technology in Clinical Trials” at the DPharm Disruptive Innovations Conference in September 2017. The presentation included—as it relates to mobile technology—the patient perspective, tips for dealing with large volumes of data, and engaging with the FDA during trial design, execution, and monitoring.
  • Two expert meetings were held in 2017, one on legal and regulatory issues and one on scientific and technological challenges affecting MCTs. Official CTTI recommendations and resources on these topics will be issued in early 2018