The Top 5 Myths About eCOA In 2025

Despite rapid market growth—projected at a 16.1% CAGR through 2030—the electronic Clinical Outcome Assessments (eCOA) sector remains burdened by persistent myths that hinder adoption. Leaders from Transcelerate and Medable recently addressed these misconceptions, clarifying how modern technologies are dismantling long-held concerns.

One myth suggests that translation bottlenecks delay eCOA timelines. Another claims that an eCOA library is mandatory for a successful launch; while libraries streamline common assessments, new or modified tools still follow rigorous validation processes. Another myth holds that eCOA implementation always takes 16–18 weeks. In reality, AI-powered builders are shortening go-live timelines through real-time design and rapid testing. Likewise, the notion that paper is resurging in eCOA trials misrepresents reality—paper persists only as a fallback where technology gaps exist, not as a preferred method. Finally, some believe eCOA increases patient and site burden. In contrast, today’s platforms improve usability with BYOD flexibility, intuitive interfaces, automated data capture, and real-time monitoring—reducing site workload and enhancing the patient experience.

As innovation accelerates, these myths are fading, making eCOA a cornerstone of streamlined, patient-centric clinical research.