ESource for clinical trials: Implementation and evaluation of a standards-based approach in a real world trial. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ethier, Jean-Francois; Curcin, Vasa; McGilchrist, Mark M.; Choi Keung, Sarah N. Lim; Zhao, Lei; Andreasson, Anna; Bródka, Piotr; Michalski, Radoslaw; Arvanitis, Theodoros N.; Mastellos, Nikolaos; Burgun, Anita; Delaney, Brendan C.
• Is Part Of: International journal of medical informatics. Volume 106(2017)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Electronic health records -- Clinical trial -- Learning health system -- Interoperability -- Operational data model; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; Computers -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Technology, Medical -- Periodicals; Computers; Information science; Medical informatics; Medical technology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.06.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1386-5056

Abstract

Highlights: Efficiencies in RCT design are offered by 'eSource' − integrating data and functionality with the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Differing data models, terminologies and systems have prevented eSource being taken up. An innovate approach to esource was validated for Good Clinical Practice. An evaluation in a multi-country, multi EHR, real world clinical trial involved clinical data and patient related outcomes. Abstract: Objective: The Learning Health System (LHS) requires integration of research into routine practice. 'eSource' or embedding clinical trial functionalities into routine electronic health record (EHR) systems has long been put forward as a solution to the rising costs of research. We aimed to create and validate an eSource solution that would be readily extensible as part of a LHS. Materials and Methods: The EU FP7 TRANSFoRm project's approach is based on dual modelling, using the Clinical Research Information Model (CRIM) and the Clinical Data Integration Model of meaning (CDIM) to bridge the gap between clinical and research data structures, using the CDISC Operational Data Model (ODM) standard. Validation against GCP requirements was conducted in a clinical site, and a cluster randomised evaluation by site nested into a live clinical trial. Results: Using the form definition element of ODM, we linked precisely modelled data queries to data elements, constrained against CDIM concepts, to enable automated patient identification for specific protocols and pre-population of electronic case report forms (e-CRF). Both control and eSource sites recruited better than expected with no significant difference. Completeness of clinical forms was significantly improved by eSource, but Patient Related Outcome Measures (PROMs) were less well completed on smartphones than paper in this population. Discussion: The TRANSFoRm approach provides an ontologically-based approach to eSource in a low-resource, heterogeneous, highly distributed environment, that allows precise prospective mapping of data elements in the EHR. Conclusion: Further studies using this approach to CDISC should optimise the delivery of PROMS, whilst building a sustainable infrastructure for eSource with research networks, trials units and EHR vendors.