As our team returned from SCOPE 2025, one theme was impossible to ignore: clinical trials are moving beyond patient self-reported outcomes (PROs) toward objective, sensor-driven data. While PROs remain a critical part of understanding patient experiences, the limitations of subjective reporting—from inconsistent tracking to recall bias—are becoming more apparent.
Throughout the conference, our conversations with clinical operations leaders circled back to the need for more accurate, real-time data. The question wasn’t if wearables and sensors should play a role in trials, but how quickly teams can integrate them into existing protocols to improve data quality and patient insights. Here are three key takeaways from SCOPE that highlight how clinical trials are evolving:
1. Moving Beyond Self-Reported Data
Based on our discussions, many trial teams are feeling the pressure of incomplete or inconsistent PROs. While these tools provide valuable context, they often rely on patient memory and subjective experiences, which can skew results.
This is where objective data from wearable sensors is stepping in. Devices that track metrics like scratching behavior, sleep disruptions, and physiological changes provide a level of precision that PROs simply can’t match. Teams are recognizing that combining continuous, unbiased data with patient-reported feedback offers a more comprehensive view of treatment efficacy.
At SCOPE, it was clear that clinical operations leaders are no longer just exploring sensor technology—they’re actively seeking ways to implement it across a wider range of studies.
2. The Challenge of Patient Engagement
Of course, objective data is only valuable if it’s consistently collected. One of the key insights from SCOPE was the growing focus on patient engagement—specifically, how to ensure that patients continue using wearables throughout the duration of a study.
Many teams shared challenges around keeping patients engaged with technology, especially in longer trials. While sensors reduce the burden of manual reporting, they can still feel intrusive or easy to forget without the right support. This is where gamification is starting to gain attention.
By introducing game-like elements—such as progress tracking, rewards, or feedback loops—teams are finding ways to motivate patients and improve compliance. At SCOPE, it was clear that engagement strategies are becoming just as important as the data collection tools themselves.
3. The Push for Integrated, Flexible Solutions
Another trend that stood out from our time at SCOPE was the demand for integration. Clinical operations teams are tired of juggling multiple platforms for ePROs, EDC systems, and wearable sensor data. They’re looking for flexible, interoperable solutions that can bring everything together in an efficient way.
The focus isn’t just on adding new technology—it’s about making that technology work within existing workflows. The ideal solution is one that not only captures precise, objective data but also integrates with the broader trial ecosystem without adding unnecessary complexity.
Introducing the Replior Scratch Sensor
To address these evolving needs, we introduced our new Scratch Sensor at SCOPE 2025—a wearable designed to provide precise, real-time insights into scratching behavior and sleep disruptions.
While technology like the Scratch Sensor offers new possibilities, the real challenge lies in applying these tools effectively. Our team is working with clinical operations leaders every day to integrate objective data into existing workflows, reduce patient drop-off, and improve data accuracy across studies.
For more details on the Scratch Sensor and how it can support your trials, visit Digital Endpoints. Or, if your team is facing similar challenges, connect with our experts to explore practical solutions tailored to your needs.
