PerceptiveInc

RTSM: Supporting Smarter Clinical Trials from Start to Finish

What Is RTSM

RTSM stands for Randomization and Trial Supply Management. It is a type of technology used in clinical trials to manage how participants are randomly assigned to different treatment groups, and how medical supplies are tracked and delivered. RTSM systems are key tools in making sure that trials are well-organized, fair, and efficient. One company that provides this advanced solution is Perceptive eClinical.

Why RTSM Is Important

RTSM systems help reduce human errors by automating randomization and supply tracking. This means that trial managers do not need to manually assign patients or track drug inventory. Automation makes the process faster and more reliable. With RTSM, clinical trials can run more smoothly and produce better quality data, which is critical for making informed decisions.

Managing Participant Randomization

In clinical trials, participants must be randomly placed in different treatment groups to avoid bias. RTSM systems automate this process based on study criteria. This ensures that every participant has an equal chance of being in any group, making the trial results more accurate. With RTSM, researchers know that assignments are fair and follow the study design.

Handling Drug Supply

RTSM helps manage the delivery and use of investigational drugs across all trial sites. It keeps track of when and where drugs are sent, how much is used, and when more is needed. This helps avoid delays or shortages, which can be costly and impact participant safety. Perceptive eClinical’s RTSM system supports this function with real-time tracking and forecasting.

Real-Time Data Collection

RTSM systems collect data from the start of the trial until the end. This includes participant details, drug shipments, and site activity. By gathering real-time data, RTSM allows sponsors and investigators to monitor trial progress at any time. The up-to-date information helps them respond quickly to issues and make better decisions throughout the study.

Protecting Blinded Studies

Many clinical trials are “blinded,” meaning that participants or researchers do not know which treatment is being given. RTSM supports this process by keeping the assignments hidden within the system. If an emergency happens and the treatment needs to be revealed, RTSM can quickly unblind the data for safety reasons. This keeps trials safe and compliant with regulations.

Integration with Other Systems

RTSM systems often work together with other clinical technologies, like Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems. These integrations allow for the smooth flow of information and reduce the need for manual data entry. This not only saves time but also improves the accuracy of the data. Perceptive eClinical’s RTSM is designed to easily connect with other systems used in clinical trials.

Supporting Complex Trial Designs

Modern clinical trials are becoming more complex, using designs like master protocols or personalized treatments. RTSM systems can support these advanced trials by offering flexible setup options. Perceptive eClinical’s RTSM solution allows sponsors to make updates to the system quickly, which is useful for adaptive trials where changes are expected during the study.

Conclusion

RTSM is a powerful technology that improves the quality, speed, and safety of clinical trials. From randomizing participants to tracking drug supplies and collecting real-time data, it supports every stage of the process. Companies like Perceptive eClinical provide RTSM systems that are trusted by sponsors and investigators around the world. As clinical trials continue to evolve, RTSM will remain a key tool for smarter study management.