NorthWest EHealth (NWEH) has launched a pilot program to accelerate the recruitment of participants for clinical trials in the UK. The initiative combines NWEH's FARSITE platform with the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) data service, which holds over 18 million anonymized patient records. This collaboration aims to improve the speed, scale, and inclusivity of participant recruitment, addressing a critical bottleneck in clinical research.
Streamlining Participant Identification
Current methods for identifying suitable clinical trial participants often take weeks or months, leading to increased costs and delays. The new model leverages NWEH's FARSITE platform, a secure system that enables rapid feasibility assessments across a representative population while preserving participant anonymity. By integrating FARSITE with CPRD data, researchers can pinpoint potential trial participants with greater accuracy using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.
FARSITE Platform Capabilities
The FARSITE platform allows researchers to input trial criteria and identify potential participant pools. These individuals are then contacted directly by their General Practitioner (GP) practices, increasing opportunities for participation in clinical trials. This approach not only accelerates the recruitment process but also ensures a more diverse and representative participant pool.
Potential Impact and Future Expansion
If the pilot proves successful, this model could significantly enhance innovation and efficiency in medical research. It promises to improve public access to clinical trials and support the discovery and validation of advanced treatment approaches. The ultimate goal is to expand this model across the UK, positioning the nation as a leader in clinical research.
Expert Commentary
Jonathan Wogel, CEO of NWEH, stated, "We are excited to announce this pilot initiative, which aims to support the nation's life sciences sector by accelerating and optimizing the set-up of clinical trials in the UK. By combining our agile and innovative FARSITE technology with CPRD data, clinical trial feasibility and find-and-refer services can be conducted more quickly, with more precise determination of the most relevant clinical trial participants, including under-served populations. This, in turn, can reduce costs and support more robust studies optimized to help improve health outcomes for patients, once again positioning the UK as a leader in clinical research."
