Medidata’s new cloud system will simplify how providers, investigators collect data

New York-based Medidata, a cloud-based systems provider, has launched a new program that will allow easy integration of healthcare data from electronic health records (EHRs), electronic medical records (EMRs) and clinical trial electronic source data into one single platform, the Medidata Clinical Cloud.

The initiative, branded the eConnect Partner Program, is designed to help organize and keep track of the many digital documents providers need when treating patients, according to a statement from the company.

“Pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies are increasingly looking for technologies to gather more and better patient data,” said Medidata’s president Glen de Vries in a statement. “However, a key concern is the increasing burden on investigative sites, currently tasked with using disparate systems for different clinical trials in addition to the systems needed to manage their medical practices and record data from patients who are not participating in research studies.”

The eConnect program will simplify day-to-day operations and workflows by eliminating the need for staff to repeatedly enter the same data into multiple systems. Right now, investigative sites are using an average of 10 different systems to collect data for clinical trials, according to CenterWatch. The system will also resolve transcription errors.

“eConnect is the first commercially available program to alleviate ‘swivel chair interoperability,’ no matter what type of eSource system clinical trial sites use—whether it's their own, a sponsor-provided technology or an EHR or EMR integration,” de Vries said. “The flexibility our program provides will make it easier for sponsors to work with investigative sites that have the right therapeutic expertise while supporting broader efforts to drive their long-term retention in clinical research programs.”