1. Research Techniques Made Simple: Teledermatology in Clinical Trials
Caroline Laggis, MD*
Victoria Williams, MD**
Xiaoshi Yang, PhD#**
Carrie Kovarik, MD**
*University of Utah; #China Medical University; **University of Pennsylvania

2. Brief history of Virtual Clinical Trials
REMOTE trial for overactive bladder
First study using telemedicine to recruit and manage patients from their homes
Parkinson’s disease trials
Incorporated video conferencing with participants in their homes for more real-world functional assessment
AOBiome Study for Acne
Major dermatology study using selfies taken by participants to monitor new topical drug efficacy

3. Use of Telemedicine Tools for Clinical Trials
Social media for recruitment and screening of participants
Online videos and documents for informed consent
Education of participants via videos and message boards available via online portals
Study visits through video or store and forward telemedicine
Participant feedback through web portals and surveys

4. Use of Telemedicine Tools for Clinical Trials
Data collection: Surveys, e-journals, wearable sensors, weights of medications, photographs, videos
Protocol adherence and data quality assessment through text messages and study apps
Retention of participants through convenience and engagement
Monitoring of adverse events through patient online portals

5. The patient journey through a clinical trial and at which points the tools of telemedicine can be used to improve participant experience, streamline protocol, and provide a more participant-centered approach. SAF: Store and Forward

6. Advantages and Disadvantages

7. Major Limitations Analytic issues
Using social media as sole recruitment tool is not a random sample; may exclude some sectors
Technology issues
Internet and smartphone access
Training for standardized and high-quality data collection
Coordination of multiple parties
May be better served in traditional trial format
Regulatory issues
No set guidelines
Licensure required in wider geographic area depending on participant locations
Safety standards/data storage needs

8. Conclusion Patient-centered approach to clinical trials
Dermatology particularly suited for virtual clinical trials
Improvement in recruitment and retention of participants
Potential to decrease costs and time to completion of clinical trials
Standardized guidelines required going forward