eClinical Solutions for Clinical Trials - Florence eClinical Header

Clinical trials will grow 5.8% from 2022-2030. To meet this growing demand, research sites, sponsors, and CROs will deploy purpose-built technology solutions.

Research sites are moving away from sponsor-first digital platforms (software designed for sponsors and CROs and forced on sites). Instead, they’re investing in site-first infrastructure across their research ecosystem.

Site-first solutions focus on research site teams, workflows, and processes. Emphasizing sites when building eClinical solutions streamlines workflows, lowers costs, reduces compliance errors, and enables scale – ultimately accelerating the timeline of new medical advancements reaching patients.

Clinical Trial Site Portal World Map

Sponsors and CROs also benefit from the site-first eClinical design approach. Sponsors’ systems can now link seamlessly with platforms at the site – resulting in sites working with a platform they are familiar with and enjoy using.

While numerous categories of eClinical solutions exist, this guide focuses on the solutions used in clinical trial site document and data management.

4 Key eClinical Benefits for Clinical Trial Sites

The benefits of introducing eClinical solutions at the research site go beyond merely moving out of paper. 

Integrated and interconnected platforms introduce a new level of efficiency, improved regulatory compliance, and connectivity. Sites are placed at the center of the ecosystem while integrating directly back to sponsors and CROs for real-time document and data exchange and monitoring.

Integrated and interconnected eClinical platforms at the research site result in greater efficiency, improved compliance, and real-time connectivity.

Electronic eISF Pillar Header

The Electronic Investigator Site File (eISF) and other site solutions store all documentation generated before, during, and after the study at the research site. All documentation must be complete, legible, and easily accessible at all times for monitoring and audits.

In addition to an eISF, many sites also rely on eSource (electronic Source) and eConsent (electronic informed consent) to make their workflows more efficient.

Trends and Components of the eISF and Other Site Solutions

Historically, if a research site maintained an “eISF,” it was as part of a sponsor or CRO-deployed electronic portal. This approach, while beneficial for the sponsor or CRO, adds little value to the research site – and could even add to sites’ workloads, as sites must interact with dozens of different eISF platforms across sponsors and CROs.

The idea of eISF platforms designed specifically for sites became popular in 2019 and exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Site solutions like eISF, eConsent, and eSource continue to grow in popularity.

6 Key Benefits of a Site-first Platform

Eliminating paper and disconnected systems aren’t the only reason to invest in a site-first electronic Investigator Site File.

When deployed correctly and integrated with existing systems, the eISF has the potential to transform the way research sites operate and their relationship with sponsors and CROs.