Improving Participant Recruitment in Clinical Trials: Comparative Analysis of Innovative Digital Platforms.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Research Informatics
• Digital Health Technologies
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Pharmaceutical product development is costly and time-consuming, with participant recruitment and monitoring posing significant challenges.
• Emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence are transforming clinical research by improving data security, analysis, and participant oversight.
• Digital platforms offer innovative solutions to overcome traditional hurdles in clinical trial management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility and features of novel digital platforms designed to optimize and expedite clinical research processes.
• To evaluate the impact of e-recruitment, e-consent, and participant matching functionalities on clinical trial efficiency.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted from January 2000 to October 2024, searching MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
• Inclusion criteria focused on validated, regulatory-approved digital platforms with international presence involved in clinical trial recruitment.
• Studies were meticulously screened to analyze the use and features of identified digital platforms.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four digital platforms supporting clinical trial recruitment were identified, with 80% based in the United States.
• Key functionalities include electronic consent (60% of platforms), participant matching, and health status monitoring.
• A significant increase in the adoption of these digital tools was observed post-COVID-19 outbreak.

Conclusions:

• Digital platforms play a crucial role in enhancing clinical trial recruitment, patient engagement, and procedural acceleration.
• Personalized vital sign monitoring is a key benefit, though challenges in accessibility, compatibility, and transparency need addressing.
• Optimizing the integration of digital tools is essential for maximizing benefits and mitigating risks in clinical research.