Development of a Mobile App for Clinical Research: Challenges and Implications for Investigators

Abstract

Advances in mobile app technologies offer opportunities for researchers to feasibly collect a large amount of patient data that were previously inaccessible through traditional clinical research methods. Collection of data via mobile devices allows for several advantages, such as the ability to continuously gather data outside of research facilities and produce a greater quantity of data, making these data much more valuable to researchers. Health services research is increasingly incorporating mobile health (mHealth), but collecting these data in current research institutions is not without its challenges. Our paper uses a specific example to depict specific challenges of mHealth research and provides recommendations for investigators looking to incorporate digital app technologies and patient-collected digital data into their studies. Our experience describes how clinical researchers should be prepared to work with variable software and mobile app development timelines; research institutions that are interested in participating in mHealth research need to invest in supporting information technology infrastructures in order to be a part of the growing field of mHealth and gain access to valuable patient-collected data.

Mobile applications to support parents in the transition from neonatal intensive care unit to home: a narrative review

“…Finally, most app developers are not well-accustomed to developing apps for a clinical or research setting. If anticipated flow and pace of a project is unfamiliar, frequent communication between the medical professional members of a team and the external, software development members is essential ( 33 ).…”

Leveraging the functionality of Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) to enhance data collection and quality in the Opioid Analgesic Reduction Study

“…Contemporary clinical research integrates technology into current protocols and research infrastructures to improve quality, efficiency, and productivity. 1–3 From laboratory processes, such as automated specimen processing and analysis, to patient-facing digital health technologies and eConsents, technology is being incorporated into clinical research to optimize operations and improve the clinical trial enterprise. 4–7 Electronic data capture (EDC) has gained traction replacing conventional data collection methods in clinical trials.…”

“…In considering its research infrastructure, the study team recognized the need to balance the integration of multiple digital research technologies with the effective collection of high-quality data. 12 The study teamed turned to REDCap (Version 11.1.0; published by Vanderbilt University) to fulfill these requirements and effectively execute study protocols. Created in 2004 and sustained by the REDCap Consortium , REDCap is a secure web application that is “specifically geared to support online and offline data capture for research studies and operations,” 11 with license and support offered free to non-profit organization members of the REDCap Consortium.…”