Study confirms validity of data from internet-recruited patients

Quintiles' latest study could pave the way for more direct-to-patient studies using patient-reported outcomes combined with medical record data.

A study has confirmed the reliability of data collected via patients who are recruited over the internet for the purpose of observational studies.

The internet provides a useful source of patients, who can be recruited, screened and enrolled online without physical contact.

Now, the latest study from Quintiles' Digital Patient Unit (DPU) has confirmed that patient-reported outcomes collected from participants recruited in this way are indeed reliable.

This means trial leaders can perform observational research that combines patient-reported outcomes and medical record data without worrying about the reliability of their results.

Elisa Cascade, vice-president of Quintiles' DPU and co-author of the study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, said the results were "positive".

She revealed: "This pilot validates the use of patient-reported outcomes when collected in this manner. It is a foundational step toward broader use of this design in collecting real-world, observational data."
Dr Rich Gliklich, president of Quintiles Outcomes, added that direct-to-patient studies will become "increasingly important", given the widespread demand for rapid data collection.