iCardiac Technologies Inc has launched a Direct-to-Subject Pre-Coaching video tool to help minimize the variability in pulmonary function test data caused by differences in subject technique and technician coaching.
The training videos will be embedded in equipment iCardiac sends to all trial sites and are brief enough to be shown to subjects at the beginning of each testing visit.
According to iCardiac, the videos will supplement, not replace, the coaching efforts of the site-based pulmonary technicians. By providing guidance and a clear demonstration to each subject shortly before he or she performs a spirometry test, the videos ensure that each subject hears critical information – explained in a clear and consistent way – about how to successfully complete a test. Further, the videos serve to assist and provide a timely refresher to less experienced site technicians on how to effectively coach subjects.
This video-based training standardization platform, now available in 20 languages, has already been deployed by iCardiac on a major global study.
“From the over 250 respiratory clinical trials that we have performed, it is clear that a leading source of test data variability is the variation of coaching styles and knowledge among medical technicians at different clinical sites,” said John Sage, Senior Vice President of Respiratory & eCOA at iCardiac Technologies. “This tool directly and effectively addresses this common issue.”
“We drew upon principles from the fields of cognitive learning, technology-enhanced instruction and psychology to develop this simple but powerful solution,” said Alex Zapesochny, President & CEO of iCardiac Technologies. “And it is being embraced not only by sponsors but also by many site technicians and study subjects for simplifying and improving the overall clinical trial experience.”
