Abstract WP47: Telemedicine And Remote Research Practice Use In Clinical Trials Among StrokeNet Sites

Abstract

Background: A hybrid of remote and in-person conduct of research may improve recruitment and retention rates in clinical trials. However, little is known about the current state of remote research practices (RRPs) in stroke trials. Our objective was to characterize the use of telemedicine and RRPs among sites, including Regional Coordinating Centers (RCCs), within NIH StrokeNet. Methods: All NIH StrokeNet clinical sites were sent a standardized questionnaire surveying their voluntary adoption of telemedicine and RRPs in stroke clinical trial recruitment both locally and remotely at affiliated stroke hospitals. The survey was distributed to attendees of the spring StrokeNet conference. The survey results are described using descriptive statistics. Results: Overall, 39 StrokeNet sites (16 RCCs [64.0%]) responded to the survey between April 2022 and July 2022. Thirty-one sites (79.5%) used telemedicine in clinical trials in the following settings: outpatient (66.7%), Emergency Department (46.2%), and inpatient (41.0%). Telemedicine was most commonly utilized for follow-up assessment (51.3%), trial screening (43.6%), obtaining informed consent (43.6%), and guiding the study intervention (33.3%). Reported rates of electronic informed consent use was as follows: 30 sites (76.9%) for acute stroke trials, 22 (56.4%) for secondary stroke prevention trials, and 15 (38.4%) for stroke recovery trials. Only 9 sites (23.1%) reported remotely enrolling patients at affiliated telestroke hospitals and 8 sites (20.5%) initiated study interventions remotely. Conclusions: Telemedicine and e-consent were used at many responding StrokeNet clinical trial sites. Future research is needed to understand the added value of telemedicine and RRPs in clinical research, barriers to adoption, and ideal future state.