R. Cooper-dehoff et al., Electronic prescribing via the Internet for a coronary artery disease and hypertension megatrial, CLIN CARD, 24(11), 2001, pp. 14-16
A unique feature of the International Verapamil SR/Trandolapril Study (IN-V
EST) is the Internet-based, electronic data capture system developed at the
University of Florida for this trial. This system allows for direct collec
tion of patient enrollment data, randomization, study drug prescribing, and
real-time monitoring of patient data online. In this trial, immediate tran
smission of patient-specific data occurs using online data collection forms
. Investigators only need a personal computer with access to the Internet;
no complicated hardware, software systems, or paper storage files are neces
sary. INVEST is the first large randomized clinical trial to use electronic
prescribing systems in the research setting. Electronic prescribing elimin
ates errors associated with illegible handwriting, inappropriate dosing, an
d inappropriate medication choice. Because the INVEST protocol allows flexi
bility of medication choice and dosage range within randomly assigned treat
ment strategies based on patient tolerance and blood pressure response, phy
sician investigators may use individual practice patterns and preferences.
The electronic system provides guidance to physicians relative to the addit
ion of medication or dosage adjustments within the protocol. Electronic tra
cking and reporting mechanisms have enabled investigators in this complex m
egatrial to enroll, randomize, and manage patients in real time with great
accuracy.