By using real-world imaging data, clinical research teams expect to develop more targeted healthcare solutions faster and more cost effectively. The key to success is working with experts who know how to use real-world data most effectively.
During an October webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and sponsored by OneMedNet, four experts from different parts of the healthcare ecosystem discussed the advantages of real-life imaging data, how to ensure quality and compliance, and the need for stakeholders to work together.
The panelists were:
- Sameer Badlani, MD, chief digital officer and executive vice president of technology, M Health Fairview and adjunct faculty, Carnegie Mellon University
- Scott Becker, publisher, Becker's Healthcare
- Todd Joron, president and chief operating officer, WCG Intrinsic Imaging
- Mike LaChance, president and chief operating officer, OneMedNet
Four key takeaways:
- Health systems need to partner with data experts to accelerate value creation and ensure diversity in patient data. "Although healthcare organizations are excellent in terms of testing new innovations, there are companies completely focused on product and design [for data-related solutions]," Dr. Badlani said. "It's very healthy for us to know what we are good at and what somebody else is good at. Together, we can create faster value and help each other rise to success." A partnership allows a health system to contribute its data to the development of a new tool, which can deliver valuable insights about its patient population, especially for minority patients.
- Using real-world imaging data leads to better patient representation, cost savings and higher-quality, faster development. According to Mr. Joron, clinical trials can be long, costly and limited. "However, if we can use real-world data, it may give a better representation of the target patients, help improve drug development, be more cost effective and perhaps bring about a better solution faster," he said. "In addition, imaging is a non-invasive means of evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness and safety of drugs and biologics. It's very valuable in both prospective and retrospective trials."
- Partnering is the best way to ensure high-quality, usable data that adheres to regulatory requirements. Mr. Joron shared his organization's requirements for selecting a partner. "First, we needed a partner that could provide imaging data that comes along with biopsy information, radiology reports and other parameters," he said. "An image orphaned by itself is meaningless; it has to be in context." He continued, "Second, we wanted a partner that had access to a broad scope of equipment due to the sheer number of scanners and different modalities used." Also critical was understanding the details of working with the FDA and other regulatory bodies as well as privacy and data traceability issues.
Mr. Becker said that payers, providers and life sciences frequently use de-identified claims data as a means to ensure privacy. "There's an expectation that data is being shared in a proper way," he said. "There are tons of rules and ways to do this properly today, with minimal to no risk."
- Using real-world imaging data leads to better patient care. Mr. LaChance emphasized that the focus of imaging data must be on improving patient care. "It's important to optimize a data model for the care of patients, not only for the use of the data after treatment," he said. "We all want to be benefactors of evidence-based medicine and to be treated as individuals. The only way we're going to advance healthcare is to continue to use data." OneMedNet is happy to serve as a high quality RWD partner to both Life Sciences and Healthcare Providers, all sharing this common goal of patient care advancement.
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