Hear from Mamta Gawade, Forecast Manager at IQVIA, who recently attended the virtual India Summer Single Day Event, which explored the theme ‘Virtual Trial Design, Hybrid Trials and Digital Data Collection Methodologies (Mobile Technology, Wearables, ePRO, eCPA, etc.)’.

In her current role, Mamta is accountable for ensuring accurate budget and forecasts of Phase II and Phase III oncology solid tumour and hematology clinical programmes from concept to clinical submission for the drug development portfolio, in alignment and compliance with approved funds to further strengthen the future pipeline.

She strongly believes in advancing health equity through drug development and technological interoperability, stating: “The drug industry is going through an era of mass disruption due to a shift towards digitalisation. It would play a critical role in generating high-quality evidence, reducing financial burden and faster timeline through the patient-centric approach of DCTs. Now is the most exciting time in healthcare, to create meaningful change through collaboration in harnessing the power of technology to change the landscape of clinical development to increase both productivity and efficiency and regain momentum towards health equity.”

Mamta’s Experience of the India Summer SDE

Two years into the pandemic, there are numerous solutions and innovative ideas that have received a huge boost from the outbreak and will continue to shape the future of clinical trials. What I have found incredibly worthwhile, however, was attending the India Summer SDE on 11 June 2022. The event was a catalyst for self-reflection and integration of all the lessons I’ve ever consolidated but never really thought seriously about.

A big reason for this is that the event had a great line-up. It began with a successful technical session, where presenters showed off great new insights, with particular focus on how digital can improve the patient experience. I was intrigued listening to Sujith Kurup’s presentation – ‘Virtual Trials: Boom or Bust’ – and the benefits and approach towards implementing the #DCT model into traditional trials.

The latest trends in decentralised clinical trials were presented with a few sobering facts:

• a surge from 48% to 89% in sponsors running trials using decentralised elements
• a dramatic 93% boost since 2020
• an estimated 6.95% CAGR during the forecast period 2022–2032

The session content was amazing. The overview piqued my attention and left me thinking about how I could apply these concepts or DCT elements not just at trial level but also to a whole clinical programme at portfolio level, from a cost avoidance and optimisation perspective. It is critical for sponsors to evaluate and make investment decisions and decide which assets or compounds to progress based on the metrics – value to patients, level of evidence, the timely completion of trials, enrolment rates.

The insights I have gained from this one SDE far exceed any other events I’ve attended. The presentations were practical and engaging – I’m still taking it all in! It’s prompted me to take better advantage of my project leadership position to further infect my peers (Core and Extended Clinical Trial Team) with the critical thinking bug. I can’t wait to bring what I’ve learned back to my role.

I’d say attending an event such as this gets you to commit: you’re dedicating time to learn new ways to educate yourself about industry updates. SDEs offer a supportive environment of deeply experienced people to productively challenge and share opinions which might be holding you back in your day job. They allow you to try out your new thoughts and I feel like this event helped get me out of a rut.

My three most valuable takeaways from the virtual events:

• Rip yourself out of your current role and expand your knowledge. Seize the perfect chance to listen to leading experts and, most importantly, to connect with SMEs outside of your organisation.
• Break yourself out of your traditional learning methods, by listening to and participating in lively discussions.
• Challenge and critically validate your perspectives and assumptions by listening to experts who are successful doing what you want to do.

This also redirects your energy and thoughts from why you want to change towards how you can begin to change. Who knows, a little conversation and engagement could lead to future collaboration!

Thank you, PHUSE, for putting together such compelling and engaging technical topics. The level of expertise and knowledge of the presenters, facilitators and organisers was excellent. In addition, I appreciate their positive attitude and willingness to explain concepts, the clear visual aids and the opportunities to ask questions. I’m impressed with the commitment and efficiency of those who plan this event effectively. This shows how PHUSE creates communication channels (“speak your mind”, “show and tell”) in the community to enable members to share what matters to them – their experiences. PHUSE fully embodies what it means to be a data science healthcare community committed to sharing ideas with others and indirectly bringing ideas to life.

I’m happy to say that this SDE was one of the most intellectually stimulating days I’ve ever spent and was by far the most enjoyable and informative session I’ve attended. I look forward to the next one!

India Autumn SDE

The next India SDE is on 17 September and will be running as a hybrid event. This event will feature presentations exploring the theme of 'Data Analysis and Reporting of New Age Clinical Trials (Automation in Clinical Programming, Standards, Latest Protocol Designs, RWD, RWE, etc.)' where we will look at latest trends in clinical protocol design, automation in clinical programming, CDISC standards, and evaluate the use of RWD/RWE.