ERT Virtual Visit keeps trials on track, patients at home

27-May-2020 - Last updated on 27-May-2020 at 13:14 GMT

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The decentralized trial technology is intended to enable sites and sponsors to continue trials in the face of COVID-19 and other disruptive events.

ERT has launched Virtual Visit, a technology solution designed to enable clinical trial sites and sponsor to capture endpoint data without interruption, while minimizing risk to patients and staff. According to the company, the technology enables continuation of trials even in the face of current stay-at-home mandates and travel challenges.

With restrictions to both patients’ ability to travel and access to investigative sites, sponsors and CROs are tasked with discovering solutions that enable the interactions between site personnel and participants to continue. Studies frequently turn to telemedicine and other remote technologies.

Virtual Visit facilitates consultations between site personnel at their desks (either in the office or working from home) and patients in their homes or care facility. These consultations are conducted through a dedicated, secure app or web interface.

According to ERT, the Virtual Visit platform increases safety and convenience for the patients, while still empowering researchers to collect the safety and efficacy data necessary to support their development objectives.

Matthew McCarty, vice president at ERT, said the Virtual Visit technology enables researchers to overcome obstacles presented by situations like a pandemic.

“We're pleased to offer another significant capability in a series of revolutionary virtual trial solutions to support our customers as they address the challenges presented by COVID-19,” McCarty said. “Our research indicates that nearly 80% of the industry is shifting to virtual trial solutions during this unprecedented time and we remain committed to delivering the dynamic tools they need to continue their important, life-saving research.”

According to ERT, the Virtual Visit solution enhances the patient experience by requiring fewer site trips, and less time spent at the site when such visits may be necessary. Additionally, the digital face-to-face meetings can help sustain patient engagement.

Additionally, Virtual Visit reportedly helps sites and sponsors via rapid deployment, ease of use, increased safety, and full compliance with regulatory requirements.