Research Techniques Made Simple:Teledermatology in Clinical Trials

Abstract

Telemedicine is well established as a means of providing high-quality healthcare at a distance, particularly to patients in underserved populations. Technologies in teledermatology can be used to complement traditional methodologies of clinical trials, expanding accessibility of trials to people typically unable to participate in research. Tools of communication technology may enhance many aspects of clinical trials in dermatology, from recruitment and retention of participants to collection of real-time data. Clinical trials can be made completely virtual or incorporate aspects of virtual technologies at any stage of research. Virtual clinical trials are considered highly patient-centered, as the ability of participants to engage with research staff from their own home often supplants the need for many or all on-site clinic visits. As technological advances influence every aspect of modern life, clinical trials will also evolve to incorporate these tools, meeting participant expectations and overcoming traditional challenges of conducting research. Virtual clinical trials come with specific issues pertaining to analysis of data, technology, and oversight. As more virtual trials are conducted, advantages and limitations of using such technology in research will become clearer and regulatory guidelines will be more firmly established.