Clinical trials are one of the most viable options that provide insight into medical intervention's efficiency, safety, and efficacy. When it comes to addressing the needs of epidemic situations, orthodox clinical trial methods need a new approach. During the COVID-19 pandemic situation, randomized clinical trials proved more result-driven. The inability to continue orthodox practices consumed a significant effort and time for the scientific community.
Orthodox clinical trials have proven to be efficient for regular interventions. However, situations like the pandemic require an unorthodox approach from principal investigators. This blog will discuss the change of objectives during pandemics and various measures. PIs must take action to counter the situation.
The Objective of Clinical Trials During Epidemics
Despite being efficient for regular assessment, orthodox clinical trials have certain drawbacks, making them a less viable option when objectives broaden their horizons. The trial's inclusion criteria expand to distinct people at risk of exposure. A pandemic may affect people with distinct health and sanitary conditions differently. PIs also need to consider the severity of certain health conditions and their effect on the infection.
It compels clinical trial companies and PIs to modify their trial designs to reduce the number of in-person visits. They can accomplish the same using telemedicine, videoconferencing, and other tele-health technologies that may provide the required assistance.
It becomes necessary to counter the situation and reduce the panic. Situations like this increase the pressure on clinical trial companies and PIs with an accelerated timeline for a thorough distribution of interventions.
Considerable Reforms Required During Epidemics
Besides the pressure to facilitate intervention for mass distribution, clinical trial services deal with the challenges that may occur during their operational paradigm. These are some of the changes they need to have a flawless operation:-
Remote Monitoring: During a pandemic, it becomes necessary to monitor the participants remotely to avoid any exposure.
Telehealth: Regular follow-ups from participants through telehealth services who can not travel to the clinical trial sites are necessary. It includes medical advice, monitoring symptoms, and delivering medications.
Flexible Trial Design: A flexible trial design that addresses the needs of participants facilitates better outcomes. It includes delaying or shortening the trial periods or modification of inclusion/exclusion criteria.
More Use of Technology: Technology puts things into perspective by providing an accelerated and streamlined trial system. It also limits the chances of human error.
Safety: Safety is the ultimate concern during a pandemic clinical trial. It enables clinical trial services to minimize the risk of exposure.
Concluding Remarks
A pandemic situation requires additional input from clinical trial companies. With the change in objective, clinical trial companies must evolve, pioneering their operation. ClinTrek is among the best clinical trial services.