5 Ways Behavioral Science and Technology Can Transform Rare Disease

Clinical trials for rare diseases face unique challenges, such as small patient populations and limited access to treatment options. With this in mind, behavioral science principles and technological advancements can help improve outcomes in rare disease clinical trials. 

Here are five ways behavioral science and technology can help:

Enhance patient engagement with behavioral science principles

Patient engagement is essential in rare disease clinical trials. For this purpose, behavioral science principles, such as nudges and social norms, can help promote engagement¹. Providing patients with clear information about the research process and potential benefits of participating can encourage their engagement. Creating a sense of community among patients and caregivers can also help.

Use technology to promote decentralized trials

Decentralized trials leverage technology to enable patients to participate in clinical trials from their homes. In fact, technology can help address barriers to participation, such as travel and time constraints². Decentralized trials can be more convenient for patients and may increase participation.

Utilize wearable technology for remote monitoring

Wearable technology, such as smartwatches, can be used for remote monitoring of patients. Furthermore, this can help collect more data and increase patient participation in clinical trials³. Wearable technology can provide researchers with more insights into the progression of the disease and its treatment.

Leverage artificial intelligence for data analysis

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to analyze large amounts of data collected from clinical trials. This can help researchers identify patterns and insights that might not be apparent through traditional methods⁴. AI can also help predict which patients may benefit from a particular treatment.

Use telemedicine for virtual visits

Telemedicine enables virtual visits between patients and healthcare providers. This can help patients who have difficulty traveling to clinical trial sites. Telemedicine can also help reduce costs and increase participation in clinical trials⁵.

Conclusion 

Behavioral science principles and technological advancements can help improve outcomes in rare disease clinical trials. Above all, researchers can design more effective clinical trials and accelerate the development of new treatments for rare diseases in three easy steps. First, by promoting patient engagement. Second, by leveraging technology for remote monitoring. Third, using AI for data analysis.

At Datacubed Health, we can help to achieve these goals. Our platform has been proven to achieve 85% retention and 90% compliance by enabling remote monitoring and data collection through mobile devices and wearables. With behavioral science at our core, we improve patient engagement and reduce the burden on patients to travel to trial sites. Additionally, by utilizing behavioral science principles, such as identity lock, motivations, and rewards, we increase long-term participation in rare disease clinical trials.

Don’t take our word for it; see for yourself in this short demo video. When you’re ready, we’re here to answer your questions. 

References:

1. Rotheram-Borus, M. J., Tomlinson, M., Gouse, H., & Scheffler, A. (2018). Nudging to change behavior: An ecological perspective. Journal of Global Health, 8(2), 020301.
2. Alemayehu, D., & Mitike, G. (2019). Decentralized Clinical Trials: Glimpses of Hope for Better Drug Development. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 97, 103258.
3. Patel, M. S., Asch, D. A., & Volpp, K. G. (2018). Wearable devices as facilitators, not drivers, of health behavior change. Jama, 320(3), 247-248.
4. Topol, E. J. (2019). High-performance medicine: the convergence of human and artificial intelligence. Nature medicine, 25(1), 44-56.
5. Dorsey, E. R., Topol, E. J., & Telemedicine, M. (2016). Reengineering health care. Jama, 315(6), 559-560.