{"title":"Good Science in Compliance: Optimizing Remote Clinical Trial Management: A Multi-Site Analysis of Virtual Monitoring Implementation","authors":"Mary C. Blake MS, DrPH (in progress)","doi":"10.1016/j.jnma.2025.08.011","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote clinical trial monitoring, yet standardized protocols for virtual oversight remain inconsistent across research sites. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a hybrid monitoring approach implemented across multiple research centers, focusing on data quality, protocol adherence, and resource utilization.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective analysis was conducted across 12 research sites from 2021-2024, examining clinical trials that utilized both traditional on-site and remote monitoring approaches. Data was collected from three primary sources: electronic data capture systems, monitoring visit reports, and site performance metrics. Key performance indicators included protocol deviation rates, query resolution time, and data entry completion rates. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and Python, with significance set at p<0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Remote monitoring implementation resulted in a 32% reduction in monitoring-related costs while maintaining data quality standards. Sites utilizing the hybrid approach demonstrated comparable protocol adherence rates to traditional monitoring (98.2% vs. 97.8%, p=0.67). Query resolution time improved by 45% (mean 3.2 days vs. 5.8 days, p<0.001) with the implementation of virtual monitoring tools. Site staff reported increased satisfaction with flexible monitoring schedules (satisfaction score 4.2/5 vs. 3.6/5, p<0.01).</div><div>However, technology infrastructure limitations at 25% of sites necessitated additional support and training.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The implementation of remote monitoring strategies demonstrates significant potential for improving clinical trial efficiency while maintaining quality standards. These findings suggest that a hybrid monitoring approach can effectively support clinical trial oversight while reducing operational costs and improving staff satisfaction. Future research should focus on standardizing remote monitoring protocols and addressing technology infrastructure challenges across diverse research settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17369,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the National Medical Association","volume":"117 1","pages":"Page 2"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of the National Medical Association","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002796842500207X","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote clinical trial monitoring, yet standardized protocols for virtual oversight remain inconsistent across research sites. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a hybrid monitoring approach implemented across multiple research centers, focusing on data quality, protocol adherence, and resource utilization.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted across 12 research sites from 2021-2024, examining clinical trials that utilized both traditional on-site and remote monitoring approaches. Data was collected from three primary sources: electronic data capture systems, monitoring visit reports, and site performance metrics. Key performance indicators included protocol deviation rates, query resolution time, and data entry completion rates. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and Python, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results
Remote monitoring implementation resulted in a 32% reduction in monitoring-related costs while maintaining data quality standards. Sites utilizing the hybrid approach demonstrated comparable protocol adherence rates to traditional monitoring (98.2% vs. 97.8%, p=0.67). Query resolution time improved by 45% (mean 3.2 days vs. 5.8 days, p<0.001) with the implementation of virtual monitoring tools. Site staff reported increased satisfaction with flexible monitoring schedules (satisfaction score 4.2/5 vs. 3.6/5, p<0.01).
However, technology infrastructure limitations at 25% of sites necessitated additional support and training.
Conclusion
The implementation of remote monitoring strategies demonstrates significant potential for improving clinical trial efficiency while maintaining quality standards. These findings suggest that a hybrid monitoring approach can effectively support clinical trial oversight while reducing operational costs and improving staff satisfaction. Future research should focus on standardizing remote monitoring protocols and addressing technology infrastructure challenges across diverse research settings.
期刊介绍:
Journal of the National Medical Association, the official journal of the National Medical Association, is a peer-reviewed publication whose purpose is to address medical care disparities of persons of African descent.
The Journal of the National Medical Association is focused on specialized clinical research activities related to the health problems of African Americans and other minority groups. Special emphasis is placed on the application of medical science to improve the healthcare of underserved populations both in the United States and abroad. The Journal has the following objectives: (1) to expand the base of original peer-reviewed literature and the quality of that research on the topic of minority health; (2) to provide greater dissemination of this research; (3) to offer appropriate and timely recognition of the significant contributions of physicians who serve these populations; and (4) to promote engagement by member and non-member physicians in the overall goals and objectives of the National Medical Association.