Design and implementation of pragmatic clinical trials using the electronic medical record and an adaptive design

Objectives: To demonstrate the feasibility of pragmatic clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of treatments using the electronic medical record (EMR) and an adaptive assignment design.

Methods: We have designed and are implementing pragmatic trials at the point-of-care using custom-designed structured clinical documentation support and clinical decision support tools within our physician's typical EMR workflow. We are applying a subgroup based adaptive design (SUBA) that enriches treatment assignments based on baseline characteristics and prior outcomes. SUBA uses information from a randomization phase (phase 1, equal randomization, 120 patients), to adaptively assign treatments to the remaining participants (at least 300 additional patients total) based on a Bayesian hierarchical model. Enrollment in phase 1 is underway in our neurology clinical practices for 2 separate trials using this method, for migraine and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Results: We are successfully collecting structured data, in the context of the providers' clinical workflow, necessary to conduct our trials. We are currently enrolling patients in 2 point-of-care trials of non-inferior treatments. As of March 1, 2018, we have enrolled 36% of eligible patients into our migraine study and 63% of eligible patients into our MCI study. Enrollment is ongoing and validation of outcomes has begun.

Discussion: This proof of concept article demonstrates the feasibility of conducting pragmatic trials using the EMR and an adaptive design.

Conclusion: The demonstration of successful pragmatic clinical trials based on a customized EMR and adaptive design is an important next step in achieving personalized medicine and provides a framework for future studies of comparative effectiveness.