Clinical Research: The Future of Medicine Stuck in the Digital Past

Abstract

The past eight years I’ve spent working at clinical research sites
have been gratifying in countless ways. From seeing direct patient
improvement as a result of their involvement in a trial to
learning about Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval
of a therapy on which we’ve conducted trials, the observable outcomes
of contributing to the forefront of scientific knowledge are
continuously rewarding. However, despite tangible medical field
advances, day-to-day operations are often performed in an antiquated
fashion. In this article, I highlight four outdated and inefficient
methods still utilized in common clinical trial operations and
offer suggestions for updated digital replacements.