The third session of the AFI Symposium, titled “Digitalization, decentralization, Real World Evidence: how to make Italy and Europe competitive in the field of clinical research“, aims to deepen the discussion on the factors that make a country attractive for conducting clinical research, with a specific focus on interventional and pharmacological clinical trials.
The discussion highlights two key elements: the ability to start studies quickly and the efficient enrollment of a large number of patients. It also emphasizes the importance of a low dropout rate, which is essential for ensuring study completion and data integrity. The current state of clinical research in Italy will be compared with countries like Spain and Switzerland, with the goal of identifying best practices and enhancing European participation in clinical research, ultimately aiming to revitalize investment in the sector.
The panel of experts participating in the session, scheduled for June 11 in the Castello 2 Room at Fiera Rimini, will examine both digital and non-digital tools that support patient enrollment, such as pre-screening platforms via print media, real-world data sources, pharmacies, local healthcare services, and general practitioners. These tools help streamline patient inclusion, participation, and continuous health monitoring.
The final part of the session shifts focus to real-world evidence (RWE) and how emerging technologies and new data can improve care pathways. The innovations discussed include wearable devices, remote patient monitoring, and AI-based analytics systems, all of which contribute to a more personalized, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system.
The session will highlight how these tools enable a shift from reactive to proactive care models, supporting more informed clinical decisions, improving outcomes, and optimizing resource allocation. Moreover, the multidisciplinary nature of the discussion – bringing together representatives from the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, clinicians, and institutions – will offer a comprehensive overview and practical strategies to transform data into tangible health improvements.
Ilaria Maruti, from AstraZeneca, and Alice Porrello, from Roche, present the session in this video interview: