The Use of Facsimile Technology in a Multicenter Clinical Trial

Abstract

At Janssen Research Foundation the application of facsimile technology in the clinical research area has helped expedite the review of patient case record forms. By using facsimile there have been some noticeable benefits in terms of (1) time saved, (2) cost, and (3) improvement of overall quality of studies. This article reviews the use of facsimile for the purpose of transmitting case record forms in a multicenter clinical research trial. Guidelines for the selection of appropriate study sites to use facsimile, along with a procedure for reviewing transmitted case record forms are also discussed. In addition, there is a summary of advantages and disadvantages of utilizing facsimile to transmit clinical information and a listing of the major features to consider when acquiring a unit. It can be concluded, based on Janssen's experience implementing a 18-unit facsimile network, that at carefully identified sites, facsimile technology can be successfully integrated into the clinical monitoring process, improving the likelihood of submitting quality NDAs in a timely manner.