Orbis Clinical at SCDM 2024: Trends Shaping Clinical Data and Compliance
By Melissa Douglas, Senior Vice President of Recruitment Strategies at Orbis Clinical
The Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM) 2024 conference in Boston brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the latest developments in clinical data management. From groundbreaking technologies to emerging regulatory requirements, this year’s conference underscored the rapid transformation of the clinical data landscape.
For staffing firms like Orbis Clinical, these trends highlight the need for targeted recruitment strategies to secure consultants with specialized skills in this dynamic field. Here, we outline four major takeaways from SCDM 2024 and the role they play in recruiting top talent and supporting clients in staying ahead of the curve.
The Orbis Clinical team at SCDM 2024
1. The Growing Role of AI and Machine Learning in Clinical Data
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) continue to dominate conversations across industries, and clinical data management is no exception. At the conference, experts discussed how these technologies can accelerate clinical trials by automating data entry, improving data accuracy, and optimizing trial designs through predictive analytics.
Recruiting Insights: Building an AI-Centric Workforce for Tomorrow’s Trials
The increasing demand for consultants skilled in AI and ML presents a key opportunity for recruiters to differentiate themselves. By sourcing candidates with experience in AI platforms, data science, and automation tools, recruiters can offer clients specialized expertise in enhancing data management and streamlining trial processes.
Client Advice: Leveraging AI Talent for Faster, Smarter Data Management
Investing in consultants with AI-driven data management experience offers a powerful edge, accelerating trial timelines and minimizing costly errors. With demand for these specialized skills soaring, securing top talent now is essential for clients who want to stay at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.
2. Data Privacy and Regulatory Compliance
With GDPR and similar privacy regulations in full effect, data security and compliance were key focal points at SCDM 2024. The life sciences sector now faces increased scrutiny regarding the collection, storage, and sharing of clinical data, with significant consequences for non-compliance. Attendees gained valuable insights and actionable guidance from regulatory experts on navigating the complex, ever-shifting landscape of global compliance—a must for organizations aiming to stay resilient and innovative.
Recruiting Insights: The Growing Demand for Data Privacy Specialists
There’s a sustained need for consultants with regulatory expertise, particularly around data privacy. Regulatory knowledge will be indispensable as organizations continue to innovate in clinical research, making these consultants valuable assets to avoid non-compliance and costly penalties.
Client Advice: Safeguarding Data with Trusted Compliance Professionals
To mitigate the risk of non-compliance, clients should prioritize consultants who understand the intricacies of the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Whether it’s managing international clinical trials or navigating data privacy concerns, having the right regulatory expertise on board will be critical to avoid delays and penalties.
3. Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs)
Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) were a major highlight at this year’s SCDM, with growing industry momentum to make trials more accessible and efficient. Leaders tackled the logistical and technological hurdles that come with DCTs, driven by the clear benefits they bring—expanded patient recruitment, greater trial diversity, and faster timelines. As discussions highlighted, decentralized trials are reshaping clinical research, offering a more adaptable, patient-centered future.
Recruiting Insights: Powering Up Your DCT Talent Pipeline
As the industry shifts toward decentralized and hybrid trial models, demand is surging for consultants skilled in decentralized trial design, virtual patient recruitment, and remote data management. Recruiting firms should focus on professionals with hands-on experience successfully implementing DCTs, as this transformative trend is rapidly becoming the new standard in clinical trials.
Client Advice: Adapting to Hybrid and Virtual Models with Expert Support
To stay competitive, clients should seek out consultants with proven, hands-on experience in DCTs to design and implement adaptable, efficient trials. This expertise will be particularly important as more sponsors look to shift towards hybrid and fully decentralized models in the near future.
4. Real-World Data (RWD) and Real-World Evidence (RWE)
Leveraging real-world data (RWD) to generate meaningful evidence in clinical trials emerged as a key focus area at SCDM 2024. When combined with advanced digital technologies, RWD and real-world evidence (RWE) offer powerful tools to enhance trial design and outcomes, making studies more relevant and impactful. This approach is now essential not only for regulatory submissions but also for robust post-marketing surveillance, setting a higher standard for evidence-based decision-making in clinical research.
Recruiting Insights: Elevating Trial Outcomes with RWD Talent
Demand is rising for consultants who can harness real-world data (RWD) to unlock valuable insights in clinical trials. These specialists need a powerful blend of clinical expertise, data analysis skills, and regulatory knowledge to drive meaningful outcomes. Recruiters should prioritize candidates with this unique skill set, positioning them as essential partners in today’s data-driven clinical landscape.
Client Advice: Investing in RWE Experts to Drive Clinical Innovation
Bringing in consultants who specialize in real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) empowers clients to unlock deeper, more meaningful insights from clinical trials, while also speeding up regulatory approvals. This expertise not only reduces trial costs but also strengthens post-market surveillance, making it a smart investment for forward-thinking organizations.
Navigating the Future of Clinical Data: Orbis Clinical’s Insights from SCDM 2024
The SCDM 2024 conference illuminated the transformative trends reshaping clinical data management and highlighted the vital role that specialized consultants will play in this evolution. As organizations navigate the complexities of AI, regulatory compliance, decentralized trials, and real-world evidence, partnering with experts in these areas is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
At Orbis Clinical, we are committed to connecting clients with top talent who can help them thrive in this dynamic landscape, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. Together, we can drive innovation and efficiency in clinical research, setting the stage for a brighter future in healthcare.
Ready to enhance your clinical trials with specialized expertise? Get in touch with us today to discover how we can support your recruitment needs and help you stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry!
About the Author
Melissa Douglas, Senior Vice President of Recruitment Strategies, leads the Orbis Clinical Recruiting Team from its headquarters in Woburn, Massachusetts, boasting over 22 years of hands-on experience in talent acquisition across Life Sciences and Information Technology sectors. Throughout her career, Melissa has spearheaded recruitment and business development efforts covering all aspects of full life cycle recruitment, catering to a diverse clientele ranging from emerging startups to Fortune 500 and Large Enterprise clients within both sectors.
Under Melissa’s guidance, the team primarily focuses on sourcing skilled professionals for contractual and contract-to-hire positions, supplemented by targeted permanent placement and contingent searches. Melissa earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from The University of Colorado and currently resides in Chicago, IL. In her downtime, she enjoys fitness activities, global travel, cooking, and socializing with friends.
