Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes, or ePROs, are a type of electronic data-capturing method mainly used in clinical research and the healthcare system. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are any aspect of a patient’s health status that is reported by the patient directly, excluding any interpretation done by a professional along with the way. ePROs is the technology that uses electronic devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones to capture the patient’s perspective regarding their own health and well-being. It includes measures such as mental health, physical functioning, treatment evaluation, and, most importantly, patient-reported symptoms. Any other relevant outcomes can also be recorded through ePROs.
Why Are ePROs Important in Clinical Research?
ePROs in medical research has its significance for several reasons:
- Obtaining Patient Status:
The valuable insights offered by the patients through ePROs allow them to experience their condition and the effect of treatment in a more profound way that may be difficult to do so by using objective measures or other clinical assessments. Through the use of ePROs, researchers are able to understand the perspective of the patient throughout the clinical trial. This is the mainstay of patient-centered care and research. - Enhancement in Data Reliability:
Human errors such as recall bias or those occurring during data entry are minimized when electronic devices are used to collect the data. Standardized scales or questionnaires are used in ePROs that enhance not only data reliability but also data accuracy. Data management in clinical trials has been made relatively easier using. - Improvement in Patient Compliance:
Patient engagement has been increased in clinical trials and research studies that use ePROs to monitor patient responses. Additional clinic visits are minimized, and patients can conveniently use electronic devices available to them to report their condition. Transportation or any other mobility issues faced by the patients are also excluded by using this technology. - Remote Clinical Trial Monitoring:
Remote data collection enabled by ePROs allows patients to participate in clinical trials from any convenient location suitable to them. Patients can record their condition throughout the research period in the comfort of their homes. Data collection done remotely allows for remote clinical trial monitoring as well through the use of electronic devices and software available in the market. ePROs in medical research are not limited to data collection only, rather the technology has transcended the boundaries to include the management of cancer patients and numerous other medical fields. - Use of ePROs in Regulatory Agencies:
Regulatory requirements set by agencies in terms of data collection, reporting, and monitoring can be provided by ePROs, in research studies and clinical trials. Many regulatory bodies, including FDA, have accepted data obtained through ePROs as reliable and valid.
Start with ClinicalPURSUIT
Overall, ePROs in medical research play a crucial role by capturing patient perspectives through convenient electronic means. ePROs enhance data accuracy and reliability, improve patient engagement, enable remote data collection and remote clinical trial monitoring, support evidence-based medicine, and facilitate regulatory compliance. One of the leading companies that are offering this technology includes ClinicalPURSUIT. ClinicalPURSUIT is an example of an electronic data management software that is mainly focused on clinical trials and has the potential to perform electronic data capturing for even thousands of patients. Our electronic data capturing system provides solutions that are simple to use and affordable. Thanks to our effective system, you may quickly gather, examine, and present data on your clinical trials.
So, are you ready to streamline your clinical operations and improve patient experience? Get in touch today and experience the future of healthcare management.
