Conducting Technology-mediated Research in VHA: Lessons Learned and Recommendations
May 17, 2018
Edward Ramos, PhD
Co-founder, Digital Trials Center
Director of Digital Clinical Trials, Scripps Research
Principal Science Officer, CareEvolution
About the Webinar:
The decentralized and digital clinical trial (DCT) model has gathered considerable traction in recent years fueled largely by the pandemic and the need to shift the paradigm of clinical research. Digital health technologies, such as wearables and other sensors, provide ready access to near real-time, continuous data captured in a real-world setting. Observations based on these data potentially provide more context beyond the traditional episodic, in-clinic collection of participant measures. The digital research study design, however, can also serve as a bridge to support interventions through a variety of mechanisms. We describe here the transition of observation to intervention across several digital clinical studies facilitated by a robust DCT technology platform. The promise of the DCT model to drive research forward is enhanced by the ability to bridge the gap with the interventional space.
About Edward Ramos:
Edward Ramos, Ph.D., is Co-founder of the Digital Trials Center and Director of Digital Clinical Trials at Scripps Research and Principal Science Officer at CareEvolution. The Digital Trials Center is based on the growing need to rethink clinical research studies by leveraging digital health technologies and embracing decentralized, “site-less” approaches, which can promote broad participation without sacrificing robust data collection. Ed’s leadership roles focus on overseeing implementation of digital research studies in a variety of research contexts including infectious disease, maternal health, sleep medicine, and precision nutrition (where he serves as the primary investigator). Ed prioritizes efforts to address health disparities and to enhance participation in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive manner. Prior to this dual role, Ed served in the federal government for nearly 15 years. There, he led independent research projects and has been coordinating and administering large-scale national research efforts. His expertise spans population genomics, bioinformatics, mobile health, and digital clinical trials. In his previous positions serving in various capacities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ed oversaw and managed portfolios that focused on innovative and groundbreaking initiatives aimed at improving public health. Most recently, Ed was Team Lead for the Participant Center of the All of Us Research Program, an ambitious program launched by NIH inviting one million people across the U.S. to help build one of the most diverse health databases in history, which could help in the development of better treatments and ways to prevent different diseases. Ed began his federal service as a legislative fellow and legislative assistant, advising then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama on health and science policy. He received his Ph.D. in molecular biotechnology from the University of Washington with his thesis work carried out at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. More about Edward Ramos.