eCRF Plugins: Smart Solutions for Electronic Data Collection in Clinical Trials
Created: 05.12.2021
In modern clinical research, structured data collection, efficient study design, and reliable eCRF systems (electronic Case Report Forms) are essential for success. That’s where Alcedis’ innovative eCRF plugins come in: they simplify documentation and support clinical data management across a wide range of clinical trials. When combined with robust EDC software, these tools offer significant advantages to investigators, coordinators, and data managers alike.
Efficient Documentation of Clinical Data Using eCRFs
A successful clinical study depends not only on meaningful outcomes but also on high-quality data and efficient workflows. Electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs) replace traditional paper forms by providing a digital infrastructure for standardized data collection. Tailored plugins from Alcedis enhance this approach with targeted solutions that simplify everyday tasks in clinical trials.
Here are five proven eCRF tools that improve usability and increase the reliability of your electronic data capture (EDC) system.
1. Laboratory Templates: Standardized Clinical Data Entry
The Laboratory Templates plugin enables labs to upload custom templates directly into the eCRF system, specifying units and reference ranges for consistent data entry. If thresholds change, they are updated automatically. This plugin ensures precise collection of lab values and supports seamless integration with other electronic forms in the EDC workflow.
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2. Codepicker: Replace Free Text with Standardized Codes
Free-text fields in case report forms often lead to inconsistencies and complicate downstream analysis. The Codepicker plugin solves this by enabling users to select predefined codes – such as MedDRA, WHO, NCI, or ICD-10 – instead of typing symptoms or adverse events manually. This improves data quality, saves time, and enhances the standardization of clinical research data across studies.
3. Tumor Assessment: Structured Monitoring in Clinical Trials
The Tumor Assessment plugin facilitates RECIST-compliant evaluation of tumor progression directly within the eCRF. This allows for standardized documentation of growth, response to therapy, and time-based developments – all critical elements in oncology trial design and clinical data management.
4. Randomization: Balanced Allocation in Clinical Study Arms
Randomization is a key component of any well-designed clinical trial. With the Randomization plugin, patients are automatically allocated to different study arms within the EDC system – based on random or rule-based algorithms. This ensures transparency and traceability across all trials, reducing manual intervention and improving form-based documentation.
5. Marker Plugin: Visual Documentation of Case Data
The Marker plugin adds visual functionality to eCRFs, allowing physicians to draw or highlight anatomical areas (e.g., pain points or metastases) directly on predefined illustrations. It also supports visual representation of pill dosing and other patient-specific elements. This enhances the expressiveness of electronic case forms and adds a valuable layer to clinical data reporting.
eCRFs as a Core Element of Clinical Research
Electronic case report forms (eCRFs) have become an essential part of modern clinical research infrastructure. With intelligent plugins like those from Alcedis, eCRF solutions go beyond basic data entry to offer tailored support for study-specific needs – from trial design and documentation to data management and regulatory compliance.
Whether you're transitioning from paper forms or optimizing an existing EDC system, the advantages of a smart, plugin-enabled eCRF platform are clear: better structure, fewer errors, faster workflows – and ultimately, stronger clinical trial outcomes.
Klick here to discover our selection of plugins to optimize the most common and important processes of your next study project.