Infography: 7 lesser known advantages of eCOA over COA

Last updated: June 24, 2024

Advantages of eCOA: Clinical Outcomes Assessment (COA) data in clinical and epidemiological studies can be collected using traditional paper questionnaires or increasingly using electronic COA (eCOA) tools, including smartphones or tablets and associated applications or a dedicated internet resource. Both allow the collection of data from patients, physicians, third-party observers (often parents), or caregivers with the same exactitude.

As well as the commonalities between COA and eCOA systems, there are several advantages of eCOA…

To download the infography, click here:

[tag url=”https://kayentis.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/kayentis-infography-ecoa-vs-coa.pdf” event=”click onco infography”]

The user has a unique ID code so it is clear who has completed the questionnaire. The use of passwords further improves patient confidentiality, and patients prefer eCOA to the paper equivalent.

The use of electronic time stamps removes any doubt over adherence to a planned schedule and encourages the user to complete on time.

Logic-checks and real-time edit checks reduce the amount of missing, incomplete, and inconsistent data. Additionally, there is a reduced number of questions since those not applicable based on earlier responses are automatically skipped. This reduces human error and means that fewer consultations are needed to ensure accurate completion.

The improved accuracy of data collection means that the variability of study endpoint parameters is reduced, leading to better statistical power and the need for fewer patients to reach the same statistical endpoint and

resulting in overall cost savings.

An electronic system allows automatic calculation of diagnostic and other patient scores, and provides reassurance to both the patient and the physician that any worsening of a score is flagged up immediately. In this way, eCOA systems can be integrated into routine clinical practice in addition to being used in clinical and epidemiological studies.

Issues over legibility of handwriting or contradictory responses are eliminated.

The use of automated servers and electronic back-up systems means that data are not mislaid or lost. This also allows an automatic audit trail within the electronic system.

Interested by the differences between eCOA and COA? Please download our white paper regarding the pros and cons between COA and eCOA.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Kayentis and Ametris join forces to deliver integrated eCOA solution...

Breaking barriers in pediatric clinical trials: perspectives from two expert...

Navigating BYOD in Clinical Research: Insights for Clinical Trial Success

ePRO in early phase oncology trials: A revolution on the...

Patient-Reported Outcomes in early-phase oncology clinical trialsA Stepping Stone to...

Answering the Sustainability Call: Digital Health Technologies and eCOA

About the author

Marc Chaperon

Estelle brings 20+ years of experience in pre-clinical and clinical research from Top 5 Pharma and Biotech firms. Leading projects across Phases 1 to 4 in diverse therapeutic areas, she offers deep insights into clinical science, operations, and regulatory intricacies. Appointed as Chief Medical Officer at Kayentis in May 2019.

Meet us at the following events