In the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, the world is a vastly different place. This is true in many areas including that of medicine. While the virus has taken a terrible toll, it has also revealed problems with the existing healthcare systems and possible solutions. Health care experts find much to praise in how management of the virus has transformed the way researchers conduct clinical trials. Researchers are also looking for ways to make the kind of positive changes they’ve implemented permanent.
A Larger Pool
One of the many positive changes they’ve noted is a larger pool of applicants for their studies. Previous clinical recruitment methods tended to include a relatively restricted applicant base. The new pandemic meant looking for people in non-traditional methods. It also opened up the pool to people who might not have participated in such studies before. Remote screening has proven quite useful. The same is true of remote consent to participate in studies. This means that studies can be potentially both more broad and more diverse. That has the possibility of benefiting larger populations as a whole.
Decreased Travel
For many participants, one of the drawbacks of being part of clinical trials has been the need to travel. A clinical trial site may be located a long way from the person’s home. During the pandemic, researchers were forced to think about how they could recruit people but also reduce their contact with others. In doing so, they were forced to come up with new ways to reduce the amount of contact necessary for the research they want done. This has helped make it easier for people to participate in such trials.
Remote Medicine Administration
In many instances, clinical trials required the use of medication. Researchers have used onsite methods to safely and securely administer the medications they were researching. They are now making use of remotely monitoring dosage and administration of certain substances. Patients can get their medications via the mail and take them as directed at home. That makes it easier than ever for patients to be part of clinical trials. They can be assured of having access to the medications that might save their lives without the need to travel long distances to get it.
Reduced Testing
Testing can take a real toll on the body. Some tests utilized in trials can be invasive and uncomfortable. Researchers have been looking for ways to decrease the effects of such tests on participants. This means the tests they are using are only those that are truly necessary to help patients. Such tests are also designed to focus on the needs of the patients rather than necessarily outdated or unhelpful protocols. In doing so, they make life easier for participants. They also make it easier to get the kind of truly accurate data that researchers really need.
Join a Clinical Trial Today
At Altus Research, we want to make it simple and easy to join a research trial for those with certain conditions to find effective medications and treatments to alleviate their condition. Fill out our online form and find out how we can help you be part of a beneficial medical trial today.
