BEFORE
PanOncology Trials Before RealTime
- Disparate paper-based processes
- In-person monitoring as only option
- Outdated methods hindered growth and reach
AFTER
PanOncology Trials After RealTime
- Shared digital platform powerful all-in-one solution
- Remote monitoring in real time
- Streamlined processes scale organically with growth
Overview
PanOncology Trials was founded with the purpose of providing access to clinical trials for cancer patients in Puerto Rico, offering the possibility of improving their cancer treatment and quality of life. PanOncology began as a stand-alone site within a hospital, using paper-based processes to manage their trials and patient data. As PanOncology became more successful and looked to expand and perform even more trials, they realized that harnessing the right technology would be key in growing their organization.
Using RealTime’s integrated eClinical solutions, PanOncology has grown from 0 to 100 trials and expanded to five locations in only five years, with plans to continue increasing their locations throughout Puerto Rico to reach more underserved communities.
The Challenge
A 100% Hispanic, community-based research site, PanOncology’s goal is to expand access to clinical trials and novel therapies and treatments to underserved communities in Puerto Rico. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s 2020 Drug Trials Snapshot, Hispanics make up only 11% of clinical trial participants while accounting for nearly 20% of the U.S. population (as of the 2023 Census). Despite receiving more trial opportunities and being primed to help sponsors reach more diverse populations throughout Puerto Rico, PanOncology found themselves being held back by outdated paper-based processes.
PanOncology realized that harnessing the right technology would be key in growing their organization and expanding to more locations. They also understood that existing workflows can be difficult to break away from, especially when paired with a general distrust of new platforms by sponsors and staff. First, PanOncology needed to select the right provider and then overcome the hurdles of getting sponsors and team members to use the system.
“As we started to get more trials, it was evident that we needed a digital solution like
RealTime or else we would struggle to grow as a paper-based site.”
Francisco Bruno, Contract and Finance Director
PanOncology Trials
The Solution
PanOncology first learned of RealTime eClinical Solutions at a conference in 2019. After seeing a demo and starting discussions, they knew the integrated platform RealTime offered was perfect for their needs. PanOncology started with RealTime-CTMS, eSource, and eDocs – three key products for accelerating clinical trials. Next, they needed to get their teams on board.
Their first step was to develop revised workflows for each team, made easier thanks to RealTime’s templates and easy-to-use interface. In refining and restructuring existing methods for the new electronic platform, team members began to grow familiar with RealTime and could experience the time savings themselves. PanOncology also formed dedicated teams to make the most of the system, including one for creating new source documents within eSource –establishing a strong foundation for trials within their organization. Sponsors also soon came to appreciate the new platform, due in large part to the ease and time savings of remote monitoring.
With RealTime’s integrated platform, PanOncology has been able to centralize and streamline workflows across the organization, with everyone having access to the same data and documents regardless of physical location. Centralization is the key to true scalability and future growth. Removing disparate systems and getting everyone on the same page makes it easier for leadership to monitor numerous sites at once and accelerates the training of new teams to get them up and running faster.
“Imagine having a three-inch-thick binder full of protocol. Just trying to find a term or procedure in those paper-based systems takes forever, not to mention storing and handling. With RealTime, it’s easy. There’s no way back.”
Francisco Bruno, Contract and Finance Director
PanOncology Trials
The Results
Implementing RealTime’s powerful platform allowed PanOncology to expand their organization from running 0 to 100 trials in only five years. This is thanks largely to the considerable time and expenses saved by moving from a paper-based system to an integrated digital solution. RealTime-eSource and eDocs in particular are touched by a wide range of people throughout a trial, including CRCs, lab and pharmacy staff, clinic physicians, and more. With RealTime’s automated processes, remote monitoring, and eSignature features, PanOncology was able to save ample time and money every step of the way.
Thanks to these time and cost savings, PanOncology has developed more trust with sponsors. In particular, the ease of remote monitoring and faster study start-up with RealTime’s pricing and budgeting tools has helped PanOncology win more trials, resulting in working with the same sponsors again and again – building trust and helping their organization continue to grow.
In addition to handling more trials over time, PanOncology has also been able to grow their organization to five total locations, with plans to continue growing throughout Puerto Rico – improving their reach and overall clinical trial diversity. By streamlining PanOncology’s clinical trial processes every step of the way, RealTime’s integrated technology has given a traditionally underrepresented population the power and tools to truly make a difference in their community by expanding access and improving Hispanic patient recruitment. Having a shared platform like RealTime is crucial for growth, enabling all stakeholders to have access to the same data, source documents, and trial oversight. As PanOncology grows to reach more underserved communities in Puerto Rico, they will also help improve clinical trials for all. A focus on diversity is critical to ensuring treatments and therapies are tested across a wide range of populations, leading to more accurate and comprehensive data and improving overall safety and effectiveness across the board.
“With RealTime’s uniform, shared platform, we have a centralized process and everyone in all our five locations have access to the same source documents and latest regulatory documents.”
Francisco Bruno, Contract and Finance Director
PanOncology Trials
- Key Takeaways
Thanks to RealTime’s integrated clinical trial platform, PanOncology has centralized and enhanced processes and workflows across their growing organization, saving time and money. Other benefits include:
- Powerful all-in-one digital platform
- Real-time remote monitoring
- Exponential growth and scalability become a reality
- Centralized eSource for better collaboration
- Reduced administrative site burden
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References
- Food and Drug Administration 2020 Drug Trials Snapshot, https://www.fda.gov/media/145718/download.
- 2023 United States Census, https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219.
