7 Ways Text Messaging Benefits Virtual Trials in Clinical Research
Virtual or site-less clinical trials before COVID-19 were typically thought of as a futuristic element of the industry. Now, researchers are being forced to conduct studies partially or even completely in a remote setting, keep participants and staff safe. While this has been quite disruptive in clinical research, luckily technology is available to help keep things going during this time, much of it usable by study participants on the devices they already have.
Many clinical trials have been forced to slow down causing development of new drug therapies and treatment options to also slow down. If your organization or study team embraces technological advancements, text messaging can help your studies continue or begin again. Here are seven ways text messaging can benefit your virtual trial.
1. Everyone Texts
Texting is clearly a part of the typical American experience. Over 80% of Americans send at least one text every day with over 6 billion texts flying across the country daily. This is a tool that the majority of Americans can easily access.
2. Texting Does Not Require Data, App Downloads (or Even a Smart Phone)
Participants love texting because it’s easy. It doesn’t take up their data, require internet access, or an app download.
3. Texting Engages People Wherever They Are
Text messaging can be used anywhere a study subject has service. Whether at home or traveling, your communications, reminders, and surveys can reach your study participants. This results in improved adherence, retention, and data collection success.
4. Text Messaging Can Automate Much of the Process
Many of the texts sent out to study participants can be automated, meaning that researchers do not have to hire additional personnel to send out individual texts. In addition, researchers can even use the system to send automated responses to participant questions.
5. Texting Provides Real-Time Feedback
Instead of relying on paper forms or questions that cover an entire week at a time, texting lets researchers get results and answers immediately based on current statuses. Many people open new texts immediately and respond nearly instantaneously.
6. Text Messaging Communications Creates a Personalized Atmosphere
With readily accessible texting, participants can get the support they need in the palms of their hands. They can ask for clarification, receive reminders for medication dosing and get answers to many questions immediately.
7. Texting Saves You Time and Money
It is clear that utilizing text messaging for virtual clinical trials can save study leaders time as they do not have to run clinical visits. It also saves them money on additional personnel.
As you can see, texting is an invaluable resource when it comes to running virtual trials. It improves retention by letting participants feel that they are in a supportive environment and by ensuring that they feel heard. It can also benefit the study leaders by regularly giving them real-time data. As remote research becomes more widespread over the coming months, you can expect to see text messaging used even more frequently.
You can start simply and add features and functions as you go along. Contact us to find out more about how Mosio can help.
