Enhancing clinical trials on the Internet: Lessons from INVEST

The INternational VEraparnil SR/trandolapril STudy (INVEST) is the first lo ng-term, large-scale clinical trial being conducted primarily using Web-bas ed technology. The Web is a powerful tool for enhancing clinical trial mana gement because of its ability to centralize all study information and coord inate Multiple trial processes in real time at lower cost. The result is im proved efficiency, accuracy, and safety in clinical trials conduct. In Web- based clinical trials, sites are able to focus primarily on medicine and sc ience, rather than on trial administration. Site training, study documentat ion, subject recruitment, randomization, medication dispensing, and managem ent procedures are simplified by using Web-based software to enhance proces ses, This paper summarizes the advantages achieved for INVEST investigators , sponsor representatives, monitors, and subjects resulting from the centra lization and coordination of multiple tasks through Web-based technology.