Redesigning the research design: Accelerating the pace of research through technology innovation

Abstract

Clinical trials and research studies have historically been hindered by low subject participation and overall retention rates. However, recent advancements in mobile technology, Apple's HealthKit (2014) and ResearchKit (2015), have enabled smartphones to record and monitor a user's vitality signs, and volunteer that data in clinical trials or research studies. This provides an unprecedented opportunity for researchers to survey large populations of diverse individuals and recruit subjects. In the short amount of time since the introduction of ResearchKit, these applications have shown significantly higher subject recruitment rates compared to traditional methods of subject enlistment for trials. Many ResearchKit applications have been limited to surveys to capture real-world evidence, thus providing an opportunity to explore many potential technical designs, development scenarios, and engagement techniques to improve and advance an often overlooked space within healthcare.