Clinical trials have long relied on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to assess patient health, yet self-reported data has limitations—ranging from recall bias to subjectivity in reporting. A new generation of digital endpoints is emerging, leveraging sensor-based measurements and gamification to improve data quality and patient engagement.
In a recent episode of The RWD & RWE Podcast, Replior CEO Christer Nilsson joined hosts Dr Aaron Kamauu and Matt Veatch to discuss how wearable sensors and behavioral science principles are reshaping the way clinical trials collect data. In the conversation, they agreed that while digital measurements will never replace PROs, they can significantly enhance data quality and patient adherence.
By integrating objective, real-world data with patient-reported insights, clinical trials are entering a new era of precision and engagement.
Moving Beyond PROs: How Sensors Improve Clinical Data Quality
One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the shift from subjective patient-reported data to sensor-based objective measurements. Nilsson explained how self-reported sun exposure data often differs significantly from sensor-tracked UV exposure:
“Patients were asked how many minutes they had been exposed to the sun, while sensors tracked actual exposure. The correlation between reported and measured data was almost non-existent.”
This discrepancy underscores why sensors matter—they remove subjectivity, capturing real-time, unbiased measurements that enhance trial accuracy and regulatory confidence.
How Sensor-Based Digital Endpoints Work
Nilsson discussed how wearable sensors are designed to track patient behavior and environmental exposure, providing continuous, passive data collection rather than relying on self-reported inputs.
For example:
- UV sensors measure UVA/UVB radiation and visible light exposure, making sure patients remain within protocol-defined limits.
- Scratch sensors detect scratching intensity, frequency, location, and sleep disruptions, providing insight into treatment effectiveness for dermatology and inflammatory conditions.
By integrating sensor-based endpoints, clinical trials can:
- Improve data accuracy with real-world, objective measurements.
- Reduce patient burden by minimizing the need for frequent manual reporting.
Enhance compliance with automated tracking instead of relying on memory-based inputs.
The Future of Wearable Sensors at SCOPE 2024
Join Christer Nilsson at SCOPE 2024 for an exclusive first look at the Replior scratch ring —wearable sensor technology redefining clinical trial data collection.
📅 February 4 | 5:40 PM
📍 SCOPE 2024 – Digital Health Technologies Track
🎤 Session: The Wearable Revolution: Meet the Smart Ring, Unlocking Objective Data
🔹 Visit the Replior team at Booth #202
Gamification: A Breakthrough in Patient Engagement and Retention
While sensors improve data quality, gamification is revolutionizing how patients stay engaged in clinical trials. Nilsson admitted that when first introduced to gamification, he was skeptical:
“At first, I didn’t fully understand gamification. But it’s not about playing games—it’s about applying the same psychological principles that keep people engaged in apps, fitness trackers, and social media to clinical trials.”
The Science Behind Gamification in Clinical Trials
Self-determination theory
Patients are more engaged when they feel a sense of purpose in the study.
Flow theory
Keeping patients engaged through progress tracking and milestone achievements.
Behavioral economics
Encouraging positive reinforcement through incentives like badges, messages, and visual progress indicators.
How Gamification Enhances Compliance
One of the ongoing challenges in clinical trials is keeping patients engaged. Nilsson explained how gamification elements can:
- Motivate patients with personalized messages reinforcing their progress.
- Increase retention by making participation more interactive and rewarding.
- Improve protocol adherence through visual progress tracking and milestone celebrations.
Rather than relying on reminders and strict protocols, gamification offers a positive reinforcement loop that keeps patients engaged, compliant, and invested in their contributions to research.
The Future of Digital Endpoints in Clinical Research
As digital endpoints evolve, the industry is seeing a shift in how clinical trials are designed and conducted. Nilsson believes the adoption of wearable sensors and gamification represents a turning point.
“We’re at an inflection point where digital endpoints are moving from ‘nice to have’ to essential. The industry is recognizing that passive, real-world data collection is the key to improving study outcomes and regulatory confidence,” he said.
The ability to collect continuous, objective data while keeping patients engaged through behavioral science principles ensures that future trials are:
- More precise – Reducing reliance on self-reported data.
- More efficient – Automating data collection and compliance tracking.
- More patient-centric – Improving patient experience through gamification-driven engagement.
Listen to the Full Conversation
For a deeper discussion on the role of digital endpoints in clinical research, listen to the full episode of The RWD & RWE Podcast featuring Christer Nilsson
