Q&A: Leveraging Technology To Automate Patient, Site And Trial Logistics Fulfillment

Automation in clinical trials involves using technology to perform tasks without human intervention, from data entry to financial transactions, with the goal of increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and freeing staff to focus on higher-value work. Clinical trials encompass a wide range of administrative responsibilities, including protocol development, budgeting, site management, patient recruitment and retention, ethics review, monitoring, data management, and trial closeout. The complexity and scope of these tasks vary depending on the size and design of the study, creating opportunities for automation to streamline operations.

Block Clinical focuses on site- and patient-centered services, building scalable infrastructure to manage increasingly complex trials with multiple suppliers, decentralized or hybrid designs, and growing data volumes. Initial efforts target patient support, including travel, stipends, and reimbursements, alongside a single point of contact to guide participants through each stage of the trial. Financial workflows, such as budgeting, contracting, invoice approvals, payments, and real-time reporting, are being integrated to ensure accurate, timely payments to patients, sites, and suppliers.

By connecting supplier networks and automating financial and service workflows, Block Clinical aims to enhance operational efficiency, provide transparency for Sponsors, and reduce manual workload. These developments set the stage for broader automation, real-time data tracking, and forecasting capabilities in future clinical trial operations.