Technology Leader Shares Key Takeaways from CRAACO 2023

By: Kathy Cole, Senior Director Business Relationships, Technology

The annual Clinical Research as a Care Option (CRAACO) conference is a unique opportunity for industry professionals, across various sectors of the clinical trial ecosystem, to focus on one common goal: Expanding patient access to clinical research as a care option.

Now in its seventh year, the conference welcomes pharma, healthcare, patients, regulators, payors, CROs and Health IT professionals alike. Addressing everything from integration of systems, data sharing and privacy, to partnerships between research and clinical organizations, this event explores innovative approaches to age-old problems.

This past May, I had the pleasure of attending and presenting at CRAACO 2023. Not only did I gain valuable insights, but I also had the opportunity to engage with experts who are equally dedicated to improving patient access to clinical research as a care option. Here are just a few of my biggest takeaways from this year’s event:

The Financial Economics of CRAACO:

One of the key themes that emerged during the conference was the financial aspect of CRAACO. Presenters highlighted data to support the value proposition of CRAACO, demonstrating that participation in research not only leads to better care but also helps lower costs. This was an important point to address the skepticism surrounding the concept of research as care. By showcasing the economic benefits and positive patient outcomes, we hope to encourage wider adoption and support for this approach to clinical research.

Clinical Research IS Care:

The conference featured enlightening keynote speeches from Dr. Julie Freischlag, Dean of Wake Forest School of Medicine, and Denise Snyder MS, RD, LDN, Associate Dean of Duke University School of Medicine. Their presentations emphasized the fundamental notion that clinical research is care. Snyder eloquently described the dedicated clinical research staff as “the beating heart of our industry.” These individuals invest their time and efforts in building trusted relationships with patients, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the research process. By recognizing the care aspect of clinical research, we can continue to foster a patient-centric approach that prioritizes their needs and trial experience.

Patient-Centricity and Seamless Interactions:

For me, one of the most impactful moments of the conference was listening to three different patients share their experiences as clinical trial participants. As a senior member of Javara’s Information Technology team, their stories reminded me of the importance of keeping the patient experience top of mind. From user-friendly platforms to making the process more convenient, I was reminded how critical it is that we keep focused on the patient to make participation and interactions with the research team as seamless as possible.

Attending CRAACO 2023 was an incredible experience and reinforced the value of clinical research as a care option and the vital role all stakeholders play in expanding patient access.  in my role as a Technology leader for Javara, I am committed to applying these takeaways to our work, ensuring that our IT solutions align with the evolving needs of patients, research staff, sponsors and investigators alike. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of patients and drive meaningful progress in the clinical trial landscape.