Author: Andrés Escallón, Vice President of eCOA Solutions Strategy
Snapshot:
- Streamlined operations: Suvoda eCOA reduces logistical hurdles, improving site efficiency and data quality in clinical trials.
- Global trial simplification: A modular approach to questionnaire deployment reduces questionnaire definition and localization challenges and accelerates global study execution.
- Enhanced usability: Intuitive, patient-centric design and BYOD capabilities foster higher engagement and compliance, improving trial outcomes.
In a recent webinar, Navigating the Next Wave of Innovation in eCOA, Suvoda experts shared insights into how electronic clinical outcome assessment (eCOA) systems can address operational challenges in clinical trials. I spoke with Jill V. Platko, Ph.D., Vice President of Scientific Services; and Ian Jennings, Executive Vice President of Enterprise eCOA Sales to explore strategies to simplify trial operations, improve patient and site engagement, and promote high-quality clinical data collection -- all with the aim of making trials more manageable and effective.
Streamlining trial operations for site teams
Achieving operational efficiency in clinical trials continues to be a pressing industry demand. Moving away from traditional paper-based methods is key to eliminating unnecessary logistical hurdles and inefficiencies, as we explored in our first blog in this series.
Ian explained how a well-designed eCOA platform can adjust to the needs of even the most complex trials, saying “There are three things that make up a strong eCOA platform: a strong scientific understanding of the requirement of the protocol, a platform that can address the evolving needs of the patients and the sites, and lastly, quality service to support operations.”
A well-configured solution like Suvoda’s that combines all three of these elements makes it easier for sites to focus on their tasks, reducing unnecessary delays and safeguarding data quality.
Simplifying questionnaire deployment for global studies
Deploying patient questionnaires can become overwhelming, especially in global trials. In the webinar, I talked about how a modular approach to questionnaire creation in Suvoda eCOA avoids these problems. "We’ve removed eCOA from the critical path," I shared. Localization partners work directly in Suvoda eCOA, previewing translations in real-time. The study build is decoupled from licensing, questionnaire definition, translation, and layout, which can now occur concurrently. And, mid-study changes to questionnaires can be easily modified while maintaining the validated state of the eCOA system.
The approach was awarded a U.S. patent for the Suvoda Questionnaire Definition Language (SQDL) which expedites questionnaire creation, translation, localization, and deployment so clinical trial sponsors can deliver high quality questionnaires in a matter of hours, instead of days. SQDL reduces localization challenges tied to lengthy and burdensome implementation processes while fostering consistency across trials, among other advancements. Sites benefit from a smooth operational experience where their focus can remain on their patients and not on the systems they may be required to use. This allows for stable and reliable trial execution even in complex multi-country studies.
Enhancing usability for patients and sites
Improving the user experience for patients and clinical sites remains central to Suvoda eCOA. I underscored the importance of usability testing to create platforms that are intuitive and accessible, sharing, “One of the things that we did early on, during our early adopter phase, was usability testing with patients who were actively participating in trials. I firmly believe that our solution takes advantage of [patient feedback] by keeping things very straightforward and simple.”
By eliminating unnecessary steps in the eCOA system, Suvoda presents users with an improved experience, empowering both patients and sites. The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) capability further supports ease of use and engagement. Allowing patients to use their own devices reduces learning curves, enhances convenience, and improves data accuracy. This type of patient-centric approach not only fosters compliance but can also positively impact overall trial outcomes by creating an accessible and effective system.
A commitment to innovation
By addressing common challenges—such as inefficient localization processes, patient engagement barriers, and operational inefficiencies—Suvoda eCOA helps sponsors adapt to trial complexities without sacrificing outcomes. Advancements like modular questionnaire design are an example of our dedication to continually improving solutions to help enable cutting-edge, scalable trials for the future.
Author
Andrés Escallón
Vice President of eCOA Solutions Strategy,
Suvoda
ON-DEMAND WEBINAR
Watch as our eCOA experts share key insights into the evolving landscape of electronic Clinical Outcome Assessments.