Online Disease Management Programs

¶ … Technology in Managing Data in Clinical Trials Technology can assist in several ways in a healthcare setting. From use of big data to use of technology for effective disease management, technology gives hospitals and other healthcare facilities a chance to examine patient information faster and easier. Because clinical trials are an important aspect to pharmaceuticals and thus disease management, research needs to point in the direction of how technology can offer a means of managing data efficiently and effectively.

Big data is one such use for technology and can be used in clinical trials, especially clinical trials with a large number of participants. In a 2014 study, researchers attempted to identify six use cases where there can be introduction of big data use. "Six use cases where some of the clearest opportunities exist to reduce costs through the use of big data: high-cost patients, readmissions, triage, decompensation (when a patient's condition worsens), adverse events, and treatment optimization for diseases affecting multiple organ systems" (Bates, Saria, Ohno-Machado, Shah, & Escobar, 2014, p. 1123).

Clinical trials have a lot of adverse effects at times from the various new medications. Participants need to report when their condition worsens and so forth. Big data use can provide an ease with which to collect information and analyze it for further examination. When it comes to effective management of data in clinical trials, access is key. Fast and easy access to information provides those administering the clinical trial with what is needed in order to produce concise and accurate analysis and results.

Especially for large clinical trials, big data use can alleviate the stress that comes from data collection. Optimization is the best part of big data use as well as cost reduction. Big data use offers those looking to perform clinical trials the best way to collect and analyze data. Another important technological innovation are online disease management programs. They offer convenience for both patient and practitioner and can easily be reformatted for clinical trials. A 2013 study demonstrated how online disease management programs achieve positive results.

"A nurse-led, multidisciplinary health team can manage a population of diabetic patients in an online disease management program. INT patients achieved greater decreases in A1C at 6 months than UC patients, but the differences were not sustained at 12 months" (Tang et al., 2013, p. 526). Symptom management is a crucial aspect for clinical trials and understanding what medications work and do not work are key in producing a successful clinical trial. It reduces costs and allows information to be better managed through the convenience and ease of online access.

Aside from ease and convenience, online access to clinical trial information and chatting with those in charge of the clinical trial will allow participants to clarify any questions they have without having to visit the location in person. In addition, it is cheaper for those running the clinical trial. They can answer questions from participants at any time, and collect their data in seconds, sending the data through email or attachments if necessary. Technology cuts down costs and provides ease of access and convenience.

Online disease management programs and big data use are just a few of the many ways technology can improve clinical trial management of data. Data from clinical.