Friday, 27 March 2020

What you need to know about independent monitors in clinical trials


Clinical trials refer to the experimentation and observation part of clinical research. These trials provide crucial data that can be used to answer different research problems and questions. Certain ethical guidelines must be followed while conducting such trials.



This is where clinical monitoring comes in. Clinical monitoring is periodically checking that the health of the participant and the efficacy of treatment is maintained during clinical trials. These can be independent monitors in clinical trials or by government-run grant-funding agencies. 

Independent monitors are carried out by physicians who are experts in their fields. Their main objective is to monitor the safety at regular intervals. They fully assess the purpose and prospective side effects of the trials and ensure that the required measures are taken. In case of adverse events, they are called to immediately resolve those problems and write a report on the same.

It is recommended that the chosen physicians be from a different department or company altogether to eliminate the possibility of preferential treatment. They are on the team for the duration of the trials and have access to the participants’ records at any time during the same.

There are mainly two kinds of reports given by the independent monitor. The first is the review report stating the concerns and recommendations they have to the study investigator.

The second report is immediate action, which states that quick and swift measures be taken concerning the nature of the trials. It could also include the termination of the same.

Independent monitors in clinical trials in India are strictly implemented. The monitoring services include site assistance and support, site monitoring, query management, investigator selection etc. With a large population like India’s, there must be such checks put in place for the sake of safety.

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