Medical Design Briefs - July 2023 - 32

and higher costs. However, with the advancement
of edge computing, these
challenges can be effectively addressed,
opening up new possibilities for more
efficient and patient-centered research
approaches.
By leveraging wearable devices that
are equipped with edge computing capabilities,
researchers can overcome
participant recruitment hurdles and offer
improved accessibility and usability
for trial participants. These devices enable
real-time data collection and continuous
monitoring, ensuring accurate
and up-to-date information throughout
the trial duration. Utilizing the capabilities
of edge computing and wearable
technology for patient-centric and datadriven
research has the potential to accelerate
medical discoveries, improve
patient outcomes, and drive efficiency.
n Edge Computing: Enhancing Data
Reliability and Quality
Data reliability and quality are paramount
in clinical trials, and edge computing
plays a pivotal role in achieving both.
By enabling local data caching in the
event of network failures and automatic
data synchronization between wearable
devices, mobile apps, and the cloud, edge
computing significantly enhances data integrity
throughout the entire data chain.
With this capability, researchers are ensured
that no critical data is lost even in
the face of connectivity challenges, providing
researchers with a robust and uninterrupted
stream of information.
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Edge computing also enables real-time
data validation and preprocessing at the
edge, allowing for immediate error detection
and correction before data is
transmitted to the central cloud infrastructure.
For example, continuous ECG
data collection can be skewed by patient
activity in ambulatory situations. An
edge computing gateway can preprocess
the data so that only usable data is received
in the cloud.
By leveraging edge computing capabilities,
clinical trials can overcome data
integrity challenges, optimize workflows,
and achieve more accurate and timely
analysis, ultimately leading to better patient
outcomes.
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n Minimization of Cloud Costs
The vast amounts of data generated in
clinical trials pose a significant challenge
in managing cloud costs. With traditional
approaches, the sheer volume of data
transmitted to the cloud incurs substantial
expense due to bandwidth usage and
storage requirements. Edge computing
mitigates these expenses by leveraging
local processing capabilities. Wearable
devices equipped with edge computing
can preprocess and filter data locally,
transmitting only relevant information
to the cloud.
The powerful cardiac patch has been used in multiple studies including AF detection, coronary artery disease,
stress, and depression. (Credit: Vivalink)
Without edge computing, the entire
volume of remote data captured would
be sent to the cloud whether it's needed
or not. As a result of this optimization,
bandwidth usage is minimized, and
cloud storage requirements are reduced.
By processing data at the edge, clinical
trials can achieve substantial cost savings
while ensuring critical data is efficiently
and reliably managed.
Half the size and weight of competing solutions, the wearable cardiac patch captures and sends multiple
vitals from remote patients to applications in the cloud. (Credit: Vivalink)
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n Expanding Patient Recruitment
One of the most significant factors
contributing to trial delays is patient recruitment.
Ensuring an adequate number
of qualified participants who meet
the trial criteria within the desired time
frame is essential but often poses considerable
difficulties. Ineffective patient recruitment
strategies, limited access to
eligible individuals, geographical constraints,
and the complex nature of trial
protocols can all contribute to delays
and prolonged recruitment timelines.
However, edge computing enables
the decentralization of clinical trials,
expanding the candidate pool through
increased geographical reach. Remote
Medical Design Briefs, July 2023

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Medical Design Briefs - July 2023

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