Phastar's RBQM app enhances clinical trial data monitoring

11-Sep-2024 - Last updated on 11-Sep-2024 at 15:27 GMT

Phastar have implemented an RBQM app within their Clinical Intelligence Data Visualisation Platform, enabling a comprehensive overview of the entire trial across all sites which can be shown in various visualisation graphs, tailored by client.

The tool supports critical RBQM processes like risk assessment, central monitoring, issue management, risk reassessment, targeted site monitoring, and KRI tracking, while ensuring regulatory compliance and enabling continuous, data-driven improvements throughout the clinical trial.

What is the RBQM app?

A clinical RBQM application typically offers a centralized dashboard where all the critical data from multiple clinical trial sites is collected and displayed in one place. This allows study managers and teams to have a comprehensive overview of the entire trial across all sites.

Site-level performance metrics: The application aggregates data related to each site, such as patient recruitment, protocol deviations, data entry timelines, and adherence to the protocol. These metrics are often displayed in an easy-to-interpret format (e.g., graphs, charts, or tables).

Real-time alerts: The system can provide real-time alerts for issues such as slow data entry, missing data, or high rates of adverse events. This enables quick action, so underperforming or at-risk sites can be flagged early.

What problem does it solve?

Traditional monitoring approaches involve frequent on-site visits and 100% source data verification (SDV), which is resource intensive. RBQM applications, however, allow targeted monitoring based on site performance and risk levels.

Resource allocation: Instead of deploying resources evenly across all sites, the application helps concentrate monitoring, training, and other resources where they are most needed. This helps reduce the time, cost, and effort involved in trial management.

Adaptive monitoring plans: With an RBQM application, site monitoring plans can be dynamically adjusted. Sites that consistently perform well and have low risk may require fewer visits, while higher-risk sites can receive more frequent, focused monitoring (on-site or remote).

Remote monitoring capabilities: The application often includes features that support remote data reviews, reducing the need for on-site visits while still allowing for detailed investigation of critical data points at sites that need attention.

What is the functionality, key features and benefits?

A key feature of RBQM applications is the ability to assign risk scores to different clinical sites or activities based on predefined criteria. These risk scores help prioritize sites that need more attention.

Automated risk assessment: The application can analyze site-level data and identify sites that deviate from normal performance metrics (eg, sites with a high number of protocol violations, excessive delays in data entry, or inconsistent data quality).

Risk heatmaps: Many RBQM applications feature visual representations, such as heatmaps, where sites with higher risk or potential issues are highlighted. This allows study managers to quickly identify problem areas.

Focus on critical data and sites: Instead of treating all sites equally, the application allows you to focus on those sites that have the most impact on patient safety, data integrity, or study success. For example, if a site is recruiting more high-risk patients or generating data for a critical endpoint, it might be prioritized for more intense monitoring.