-Nottingham University selects Simplexo Enterprise for five year clinical trial-

Simplexo Enterprise, an enterprise search tool, has been selected by Nottingham University to enable the retrieval of information across a five-year clinical trial by its Division of Stroke Medicine into the causes and effects of strokes. The trial team is gathering and analysing information from more than 500 patients and several governing bodies in over 20 countries, including the UK, the United States, China, India and Australia.

Searching for information gathered in multiple formats over a five year period in a clinical trials environment is both a complex and critical requirement.  The success of the research depends not only on the clinical elements of the trial itself, but also on the smooth handling of data during and after the trial. 

Documentation is generated in many different formats – a mix of electronic file types, faxes and handwritten documents.  Trial managers around the globe require access to the latest information in order to inform their decisions and associated research. Nottingham University therefore needed a tool that could access multiple and diverse data sources accurately, securely and in real time.

They chose Simplexo. Professor Bath, Head of Division, confirmed: “We wanted to make sure that all our team members had access to the most up to date information at all times, and because so much of our research is undertaken abroad, they should have the same search capabilities whether working centrally or in remote locations.”

Faxes and handwritten documents are now scanned and saved in PDF format, and automatically indexed along with other unstructured documentation.  Database information and application data does not require indexing, as Simplexo takes advantage of their built-in capabilities for real-time access.

Search and retrieval is now fast, accurate and comprehensive.  Simplexo searches all data sources simultaneously, excludes irrelevant and duplicate information, and returns a single set of accurate and specific results. The entire trial team can concurrently access both central and local information from their preferred application, such as Microsoft Office or Outlook, or from a Web browser.

“We have moved from an onerous manual process to one which is streamlined, secure and easy to use”, says Professor Bath, adding: “Simplexo has made a huge difference to the effectiveness of the team.”

Alistair Handyside, CEO of Simplexo, commented: “This trial is a perfect example of how enterprise search can improve productivity and reduce the burden of compliance. Simplexo Enterprise is built to Ministry of Defence AES 256 standards, so trial team members can securely access confidential information from any remote location. All searches are encrypted, access rights are maintained, and a full audit trail is generated to comply with Nottingham University NHS Trust regulations.  We are pleased to have helped the trial to expand into more locations, providing a wider geographic and cultural insight into the causes and effects of strokes.”

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