As appreciation grows for the contribution of real-world evidence (RWE) and real-world data (RWD) to clinical research, the application of RWE/RWD within this space is treated with circumspection. To help stakeholders confidently explore the benefits of adopting real-world evidence applications, Jeff Trotter, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Evidence, has been identifying key trends within the industry.
This is the first in Jeff Trotter’s five-part blog series, “2020 Predictions in Real-World Evidence.”
Before we dive into prognostications about what others have already dubbed the Decade of Data, let’s take a look at how last year’s predictions fared.
- Improved Clinical and Commercial Collaboration: 8/10. Here, I was focusing on the evolving role of RWE and RWD in spurring increased organizational collaboration across the clinical-commercial development continuum. As I stated last year, there will always be differing comfort zones and experience-based perspectives. That said, I continue to see progressive life-sciences companies challenge traditional organizational structures and embrace the potential strategic and operational advantages of RWE and RWD at key inflection points during the product life cycle. While I think there remains considerable progress to be achieved, on this 2019 prediction, I give myself a generous 8/10.
- Repurposing Clinical Trial “Leftovers”: 3/10. This was my #1 idea for the previous decade (one per decade tending to be all I can muster). It was all about leveraging randomized control trial (RCT) screen failures to pre-populate observational studies and registries, and I still think this is a no-brainer. However, I haven’t seen strong progress toward adoption of this suggestion. Maybe I’m underestimating the hurdles to interdepartmental collaboration. Regrettably, I give myself a 3/10: good idea but perhaps still not ready for prime time.
- RWE COE ASAP: 6/10. Formally establishing a Center of Excellence (COE) to coordinate a company’s RWE/RWD aspirations and applications takes organizational collaboration to another level. Such a commitment will establish a solid and purposeful bridge between the organization’s clinical and commercial teams. I’m seeing companies adopt this philosophy of bridging the space between clinical and commercial; however, many are still experimenting to identify the particular bridge that works best for their unique culture. Seeing this trend as a work-in-progress, I give myself a conservative 6 out of 10.
- Way Beyond the Pill: 7/10. With this prediction, I was acknowledging the increasing adoption of patient-centric technology to enhance a medical product’s therapeutic benefit. I’m seeing fascinating new technologies being developed as both freestanding and integrated solutions. However, many fall short of documenting clinical, economic, and/or humanistic value. I’ll take a 7 out of 10 on this one.
What do you foresee as trends in real-world evidence 2020? Come back for the next installment in our blog series to read Jeff’s first prediction for 2020.
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