Boston researchers evaluate point-of-care clinical trial to reduce time and cost of studies
Before drugs become available to the public through Canadian online pharmacies, they must first undergo extensive clinical testing.
Before drugs become available to the public through Canadian online pharmacies, they must first undergo extensive clinical testing. These trials can be costly, and as a result, researchers from the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System are evaluating a cheaper process that can still guide doctors to the most effective medications.
Biostatistician Phillip Lavori of Stanford University developed the new approach, called a point-of-care clinical trial, which is currently undergoing examination by the Boston-based team led by Louis Fiore. Such a technique may help scientists better conduct comparative-effectiveness research, combining the statistical validity of multiple drug tests and determine their real-world applicability.
"The goal of point-of-care clinical trials is to deliver the best care to patients while learning from each experience and defining that care," Lavori explained. "This learning and improving loop will enable healthcare institutions to more rapidly fold improvements into their medical practices."
He added that this approach can help researchers quickly compare the efficacy of different treatments on a local patient population, and then immediately implement the best alternative.
Improving this process can help bring safe, effective medications to the public, who may acquire them through such resources as a Canadian online pharmacy.
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