ATRI EDC: a novel cloud-native remote data capture system for large multicenter Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias clinical trials

• Published in: JAMIA open Vol. 5; no. 1
• Main Authors: Jimenez-Maggiora, Gustavo A, Bruschi, Stefania, Qiu, Hongmei, So, Jia-Shing, Aisen, Paul S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 07.01.2022
• Subjects: clinical trials; data management; Alzheimer disease; clinical research informatics; remote electronic data capture
• ISSN: 2574-2531; 2574-2531
• DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooab119

Objective The Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) developed a novel clinical data management system, the ATRI electronic data capture system (ATRI EDC), to address the complex regulatory, operational, and data requirements that arise in the conduct of multicenter Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRDs) clinical trials. We describe the system, its utility, and the broader implications for the field of clinical trials and clinical research informatics. Materials and Methods The ATRI EDC system was developed, tested, and validated using community-based agile software development methods and cloud-native single-page application design principles. It offers an increasing number of application modules, supports a high degree of study-specific configuration, and empowers study teams to effectively communicate and collaborate on the accurate and timely completion of study activities. Results To date, the ATRI EDC system supports 10 clinical studies, collecting study data for 4596 participants. Three case descriptions further illustrate how the system’s capabilities support diverse study-specific requirements. Discussion The ATRI EDC system has several advantages: its modular capabilities can accommodate rapidly evolving research designs and technologies; its community-based agile development approach and community-friendly licensing model encourage collaboration per the principles of open science; finally, with continued development and community building efforts, the system has the potential to facilitate the effective conduct of clinical studies beyond the field of AD/ADRD. Conclusion By effectively addressing the requirements of multicenter AD/ADRD studies, the ATRI EDC system supports ATRI’s scientific mission of rigorously testing new AD/ADRD therapies and facilitating the effective conduct of multicenter clinical studies. Lay Summary The Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) developed a novel clinical data management system, the ATRI electronic data capture system, to address the complex regulatory, operational, and data requirements that arise in the conduct of multicenter Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias clinical trials. We describe the system, its utility, and the broader implications for the field of clinical trials and clinical research informatics.