CRO

Veeva study cites timely data entry, quality as biggest medtech trial challenges

A recent study conducted by cloud healthcare software provider Veeva says on-time data entry and data quality are the top challenges for medtech companies working with clinical research sites.

These delays can slow trials and increase compliance risks, making improved collaboration with study sites a critical priority for faster delivery of high-quality data, the company said in an April 19 press release.

Of the 135 clinical medtech professionals who participated in the global study, 83% said they currently rely on manual approaches to share information with stakeholders by using email, portals and paper. This slows down study execution and data analysis while increasing the time and costs necessary to complete trial activities.

The 2023 Veeva MedTech Clinical Benchmark study looked at how emerging to large device and diagnostics companies currently manage their clinical processes, study site collaboration and trial data to ensure compliance and speed.

“The medtech industry has a significant opportunity to modernize clinical systems and processes for faster access to trial data,” Kevin Liang, vice president, Vault Clinical strategy, Veeva MedTech, said in the release. “As more organizations prioritize digital clinical technologies, medtech can improve collaboration with stakeholders and drive trial efficiency, productivity and compliance.”

The report also found other areas for improvement, such as disconnected systems, which 61% of respondents flagged. 

On a brighter note, the report showed an accelerated shift to digital clinical systems with 45% of respondents saying the move to digital is a top priority for them in the next 12 months. This change is expected to make it easier for collaboration, thereby increasing trial efficiency, accelerating data delivery and improving the experience for sites.

The fast pace of digital adoption in the clinical trial arena as been accelerating since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted on-site clinical trials. In October, Veeva said it had signed up 40 CROs to use its suite of clinical trial management tools as part of efforts to provide more efficient communications and operations.