91% of CROs taking steps to unify clinical operations for better
visibility and improved study execution
PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Contract research organizations (CROs) are driving industrywide momentum
to unify clinical systems and streamline trial processes, according to a
new global industry survey from Veeva
Systems (NYSE:VEEV). CROs continue to lead the adoption of modern
clinical applications to increase operational efficiency, simplify trial
collaboration, and improve study quality.
The Veeva
2018 Unified Clinical Operations Survey: Annual CRO Report
reveals that CROs lead sponsors in adopting purpose-built clinical
applications, particularly in study start-up (33% of CROs vs. 17% of
sponsors) and CTMS (66% vs. 54%). This momentum is consistent with
organizations’ focus on improving study visibility and execution, the
two top drivers among CROs for unifying clinical applications.
A third (33%) of CROs also cite collaboration as a challenge. Unified
systems and processes make it easier for CROs, sponsors, and sites to
work together and share information throughout the course of a trial.
This is contributing to CROs’ move toward advanced clinical
applications, as most (91%) now have initiatives planned or underway to
unify their clinical applications for improved trial performance.
Streamlining Study Start-up a Top Priority
Speeding study execution has become a top priority for CROs, especially
as sponsors continue to outsource study start-up processes. Findings
show that nearly 80% of CROs are taking steps to improve study start-up.
This supports the fact that an increasing number of CROs are making
technology investments to improve trial efficiency.1
Easier collaboration among trial partners is one of the top three most
important drivers for enhancing study start-up processes. Almost half of
CROs (45%) say collaboration during study start-up continues to be an
area of improvement.
Opportunity to Improve Clinical Trial Management Processes
CROs report the need to improve their use of CTMS in trial operations,
with 81% citing CTMS system issues as a limiting factor. Most CROs have
CTMS applications that cannot fully support a range of key functions,
including investigator relationship management (93%), governance and
oversight (89%), and study metrics and reporting (85%).
The majority of CROs see improving CTMS systems and processes as a way
to enable proactive risk identification (74%), improve study analytics
and reporting (60%), and enhance visibility to effectively manage and
optimize trials (59%).
Significant Momentum Toward Active TMF Management
The number of CROs now using an eTMF application has more than doubled
since 2014, from 21% to 54%. This increase has been matched by a decline
in general purpose content management systems and file shares, signaling
a shift from passive TMF management toward a mature, active TMF
operating model where TMF processes and information are managed in
real-time.
CROs have made significant progress in modernizing trial processes with
purpose-built eTMF applications. Organizations that use advanced eTMF
applications report having greater visibility into TMF status and fewer
challenges, including with study partner collaboration.
“CROs continue to lead the move toward a unified clinical operating
model and drive more efficient and effective trial processes throughout
the industry,” said Jennifer Goldsmith, senior vice president of Veeva
Vault. “As more organizations modernize their clinical environments,
drug development will become more streamlined through faster study
execution.”
The Veeva
2018 Unified Clinical Operations Survey: Annual CRO Report
examines CROs’ progress in unifying clinical operations by gathering the
experiences and opinions of CRO respondents from around the world. This
annual research examines the drivers, barriers, and benefits of a
unified clinical operating model and tracks the industry’s progress in
its move to streamline clinical systems and processes.
Additional Information
Connect with Veeva on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/veeva-systems
Follow @veevasystems on Twitter: twitter.com/veevasystems
Like Veeva on Facebook: facebook.com/veevasystems
About Veeva Systems
Veeva Systems Inc. is a leader in cloud-based software for the global
life sciences industry. Committed to innovation, product excellence, and
customer success, Veeva has more than 650 customers, ranging from the
world's largest pharmaceutical companies to emerging biotechs. Veeva is
headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices throughout
North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. For more information,
visit veeva.com.
1
Pharmaoutsourcing.com. The Increasing Shift of Clinical
Trials to CROs. May 2015.
View source version on businesswire.com:
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Roger Villareal
Veeva Systems
925-264-8885
roger.villareal@veeva.com
Lisa Barbadora
Veeva Systems
610-420-3413
pr@veeva.com
Source: Veeva Systems Inc.