Four Key Benefits Of Delegating The Patient Screening Process For Oncology Trials

By Emily Akin, Research Network Lead, and Lindsay Bramwell, Clinical Director, Flatiron Health

Oncology trials, essential for cancer treatment development, are inherently complex due to rigorous data collection and biomarker requirements, often resulting in higher costs and extended timelines compared to other therapeutic areas. While Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have enhanced patient safety and workflow efficiency, their full potential in facilitating clinical research remains underutilized. Oncologists struggle with identifying eligible trial participants amidst high workloads and intricate criteria, especially in cases involving rare diseases. This article proposes a hybrid model leveraging specialized health data companies, such as Flatiron Health, to streamline the patient screening process. These companies optimize study criteria, analyze patient records, and match patients to trials, thereby alleviating site resources and enhancing trial operations. The technology and tools utilized by companies like Flariron integrate seamlessly into existing workflows to save companies time, optimize patient matches, and ultimately strengthen patient relationships. Access to extensive EHR datasets enables sponsors to refine trial criteria and site selection, ensuring unbiased enrollment. Learn more about the efforts being made towards a more efficient, diverse, and effective approach to patient recruitment in oncology trials.