AMC & URMC Studying Telehealth

AMC Health www.amchealth.com, in collaboration with the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) www.urmc.rochester.edu recently announced their interim study results related to telehealth conducted on subjects with Parkinson’s Disease. The results were presented at the American Academy of Neurology https://www.aan.com in April.

The study which is a sub-study of a larger NIH-funded Phase 3 trial, assessed the feasibility, reliability, and value of deploying virtual eVisits in a Parkinson’s Disease study and then comparing the e-visits to traditional in-person visits.

The virtual visit deploys a smartphone device which provides a secure video connection between the subject at home and the clinical study team. During the scheduled eVisit session, blood pressure and weight measures are collected via Bluetooth sensor devices and the data is then electronically sent for on-screen clinical assessment. Patient reported assessments are used to determine ease of use, patient satisfaction, and the likelihood that patients believe virtual visits would benefit future trials.

The interim results support the fact that motor and non-motor assessments via virtual research visits is feasible in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. In addition, over 90 percent of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the convenience connections and the comfort of the virtual visit. Also, over 75 percent of the patients agreed that they would be more interested in future clinical trials if a component of eVisits were conducted from the convenience of home.

Michael O’Brien, President of the Clinical Trials Division of AMC Health commented, “We are very encouraged by these interim results that demonstrate the value of offering eVisits to clinical trial participants to reduce their burden, and hopefully will lead to more patients participating in clinical trials in the future.”