5 Tips for Embracing eConsent Adoption While Keeping Patients at Top of Mind

Electronic informed consent (eConsent) technologies have been around for nearly 20 years, but they’ve skyrocketed in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many companies adopting them, the FDA has even issued updated guidance on their use. 

Though eConsent platforms can save money and increase operational efficiency, they can also present risks. For instance, with increased emphasis on efficiency and cost-cutting, patient-centric outcomes are falling lower down the priority list. As a result, some in our industry worry that we’re sacrificing integrity and safety without considering the long-term consequences.

While it would be silly to think eConsent is going away –– hint: it isn’t –– there are steps decision-makers can take for a more balanced approach without sacrificing patient experience or safety. These 5 tips can help:

1. Enhance Trust and Validate Innovation

Research shows that trust in technology and openness to innovation are key drivers in adopting eConsent technology. This suggests the public is willing to embrace these tools, but only after they’re proven safe and reliable. Therefore, clinical trial designers and other key decision-makers must demonstrate the reliability, security, and user-friendliness of eConsent platforms. By educating potential enrollees on the benefits of eConsent technology, it’s possible to alleviate concerns and enhance enrollment goals. 

2. Ask For User Feedback

A 2020 Signant Health survey found that 80% of respondents would recommend eConsent be used in clinical trials. With such broad acceptance, it would be easy to assume that these technologies are worth implementing regardless of consequence, but the reality isn’t so cut and dry. Even though more and more companies are using these technologies, leaders can’t get comfortable. 

To truly know if things are working, we need to connect with trial participants on a human level. That’s why gauging satisfaction with these tools is so important. Luckily, there are several ways to request this type of feedback, including user forums, surveys, and patient questionnaires. The sooner you know about problems enrollees are having, the quicker you can make changes across the board. 

3. Include a Broad Range of Stakeholders In the Decision-Making Process

Even though many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies embrace eConsent tools, surveys show that those involved in their research and implementation often lack diverse viewpoints that could help make adoption easier.

In a recent guest column for ClinicalLeader, author Jeanie Magdalena Gatewood argues that eConsent technologies shouldn’t be implemented without the feedback of a broad range of stakeholders. This includes junior staff, senior researchers, and IT specialists. The insights and perspectives these groups can provide support a well-rounded implementation process and ensure you address the needs of all users.

4. Feature eConsent-Related Talking Points in Your Trial Enrollment Strategy

eConsent technologies make trial enrollees’ lives significantly easier, but unless your patients are well-versed in clinical operations, they probably won’t know it. Rather than crossing your fingers and hoping for the best, use your digital marketing and advertising channels to educate those who are interested. Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by making sure all of your landing pages include the following information:

• Purpose of the study
• Voluntary nature of the treatment/study
• The risks and benefits of participating
• The freedom to withdraw at any time

Likewise, ensure all of this information is easily accessible from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The availability of multiple access points (and quick load times) can significantly enhance your enrollment efforts.

5. Never Stop Learning

Choosing an eConsent platform to implement is only the first step in your journey. After adopting a program, you have to roll up your sleeves and really get to work. Learning everything you can about the specific software is a good place to start, but it isn’t enough for lasting success. For that, your organization must embrace adaptive training protocols that involve stakeholders at all levels. After all, the more your team knows about the eConsent platform and its capabilities, the easier it will be to maximize your success.

The Bottom Line

eConsent technology promises many benefits, but we can’t forget that real people are the foundation of all clinical trials. Therefore, we must carefully balance participant engagement and ethical standards with the embrace of these amazing tools. Making this effort in the present can build trust and help establish a brighter future.