Using Digital Tools in Clinical, Health and Social Care Research: A Mixed-Methods Study of UK Stakeholders

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes to clinical research methodology, with clinical studies being carried out via online/remote means. This mixed-methods study aimed to identify which digital tools are currently used across all stages of clinical research by stakeholders in clinical, health and social care research and investigate their experience using digital tools.DesignTwo online surveys followed by semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically.Setting, ParticipantsTo explore the digital tools used since the pandemic, survey participants [Researchers and Related Staff (n=41), Research and Development staff (n=25)], needed to have worked on clinical, health or social care research studies over the past two years (2020-2022) in an employing organisation based in the West Midlands region of England (due to funding from a regional clinical research network). Survey participants had the opportunity to participate in an online qualitative interview to explore their experiences of digital tools in greater depth (n=8).ResultsSix themes were identified in the qualitative interviews: ‘Definition of a Digital Tool in Clinical Research’;‘Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic’;‘Perceived Benefits/Drawbacks of Digital Tools’;‘Selection of a Digital Tool’; ‘Barriers and Overcoming Barriers’;and‘Future Digital Tool Use’.The context of each theme is discussed, based on the interview results.ConclusionsFindings demonstrate how digital tools are becoming embedded in clinical research, as well as the breadth of tools used across different research stages. The majority of participants viewed the tools positively, noting their ability to enhance research efficiency. Several considerations were highlighted; concerns about digital exclusion; need for collaboration with digital expertise/clinical staff, research on tool effectiveness and recommendations to aid future tool selection. There is a need for the development of resources to help optimise the selection and use of appropriate digital tools for clinical research staff and participants.Article SummaryStrengths and Limitations of the StudyMixed-method study to explore experiences of utilising digital tools in clinical research, utilising participants from a variety of roles; both Research and Research and Development staff.Survey and qualitative questions co-designed with an experienced stakeholder group.It is likely that participants were motivated to participate due to an underlying interest in digital tools, consequently some perspectives may not have been included in this study.The study was limited to exploring the views of stakeholders employed by organisations based in the West Midlands, United Kingdom.