Flatiron Health, a pioneer in health technology, is making waves in the realm of clinical research by unveiling a strategic collaboration with NRG Oncology, a prominent clinical research consortium under the auspices of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This partnership aims to enhance the efficiency of clinical trials by integrating Flatiron’s advanced electronic health record (EHR) to electronic data capture (EDC) connector, known as Flatiron Clinical Pipe™, into a multicenter NRG clinical trial. The deployment of this innovative technology is anticipated to streamline data management processes, reducing the burden on research teams at clinical trial sites.
Flatiron Clinical Pipe™ is set to play a pivotal role in transforming how clinical data is collected and managed within multicenter trials, particularly those sponsored by the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). This collaboration marks a significant step toward optimizing data management workflows, as it provides a direct connection between the electronic health records used in clinical settings and the systems utilized for data entry during trials. By effectively bridging this gap, the partnership is poised to accelerate study timelines, facilitating faster and more reliable results.
The partnership between Flatiron and NRG Oncology exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to clinical trials, wherein the focus is placed on reducing the manual labor associated with data entry. By employing Flatiron Clinical Pipe™, research teams can expect to see a significant decrease in the time and effort currently required for data management, which will ultimately lead to improved efficiencies in conducting trials. As the two organizations work together, they will also conduct a correlative study to systematically analyze the efficiency gains achieved through this technological integration, comparing it against traditional data entry methodologies.
Alex Deyle, the General Manager of Clinical Research at Flatiron Health, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that it presents a remarkable opportunity to redefine the clinical trial experience. The integration of Flatiron Clinical Pipe™ is expected to yield higher quality data and a more efficient process for data acquisition, which is essential for generating valuable evidence in cancer research. Deyle emphasized that placing cutting-edge technology in the hands of research teams not only enhances efficiency but also allows for a more focused approach to patient care, a critical factor in oncology research.
Moreover, a recent study published in the journal ESMO Real World Data and Digital Oncology illustrated the effectiveness of Flatiron Clinical Pipe™. The research demonstrated that teams using this technology were able to accurately transfer thousands of data points in a remarkably short time frame—approximately 37 seconds to complete and submit a case report form (CRF). This represents a substantial time-saving advantage, thereby allowing clinical trial providers to dedicate more meaningful interactions to patient care, elevating the overall experience for both patients and researchers involved.
The implications of this collaboration extend beyond simply improving operational efficiencies. Alexandra Thomas, MD, FACP, Vice Chair of NRG Protocol Operation Management, expressed her excitement about the potential of this partnership. She noted that harnessing the strengths of Flatiron’s healthcare systems technology, particularly through Clinical Pipe, promises to enhance the accuracy and speed of clinical trial results delivery. Such operational advancements align with NRG Oncology’s mission to reduce cancer-related suffering and provide more effective interventions for patients battling the disease.
In addition to facilitating workflow enhancements and data accuracy, the collaboration between Flatiron and NRG Oncology represents broader implications for the future of oncology clinical trials. By leveraging machine learning, artificial intelligence, and real-world evidence, both organizations are committed to transforming patient experiences and creating a more interconnected oncology ecosystem. This endeavor asserts a paradigm shift in how clinical data is utilized, ultimately shaping research methodologies and improving therapeutic strategies within oncology.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve toward utilizing data for improved patient outcomes, collaborations like the one between Flatiron Health and NRG Oncology exemplify the power of technology inclinical research. The integration of such technological innovations has the potential to foster an era of more efficient, patient-centered care pathways, addressing unmet needs within the oncology field and enhancing clinical trial accessibility for a wider patient population.
Furthermore, the deployment of Flatiron Clinical Pipe™ within NCTN studies underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in clinical research. By combining the expertise of Flatiron, a leader in health technology, with the extensive research capabilities of NRG Oncology, this partnership is set to redefine the expectations surrounding clinical trial experiences. Additionally, it paints a promising picture of how strategic collaborations can lead to groundbreaking advancements that benefit not only the research community but patients who stand to gain from improved care models and treatment protocols.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Flatiron Health and NRG Oncology marks a significant milestone in the quest to revolutionize clinical trials through technology. By implementing Flatiron Clinical Pipe™, the collaboration is expected to yield a plethora of benefits that include enhanced data quality, reduced administrative burdens, and improved patient care experiences. This initiative highlights the ongoing commitment of both organizations to leverage innovative solutions to drive efficiencies in clinical research and ultimately improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
Subject of Research: Integration of electronic health records in clinical trials
Article Title: Flatiron Health and NRG Oncology Collaborate to Enhance Clinical Trial Efficiency
News Publication Date: October 23, 2023
Web References: Flatiron Health, NRG Oncology
References: Pfeffer, M. et al. ESMO Real World Data and Digital Oncology, Volume 7, 100112. DOI: 10.1016/j.esmorw.2025.100112
Image Credits: N/A
Keywords: Clinical trials, electronic health records, data management, oncology research, technology integration.
