Southampton researchers give NHS the EDGE in clinical trials

James Batchelor and David Miller, from the University of Southampton, are the brains behind the EDGE platform which allows any research professional involved in a study to access, for the first time, detailed real-time data about its progress from any location via a secure web interface.

It could potentially bring huge efficiency savings across the NHS as it is the first software of its kind which can be implemented as a single system rather than across individual NHS trusts or research networks.

James is head of ICT and David is lead analyst of the Central South Coast Cancer Research Network, which is run from the Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre at the University of Southampton, in collaboration with Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The system is already being trialled at a number of sites in England and is proving so successful that it is being heralded as a potential lynchpin in the delivery of Best Research for Best Health, the Government's strategy to make the UK a world-leader in clinical research.

James said: "EDGE negates the need for teams of data analysts in trust research and development departments to number crunch.

"It enables research nurses and other clinicians involved in trials to input directly participant accrual information and record use of time and resources.

"This enables co-ordinators at network level to draw reports on trial recruitment at the touch of a button and enables executive teams to ensure that trials are properly resourced and that they receive the correct level of funding to facilitate them."

The official launch of the EDGE today at the Association of British Healthcare Industries annual conference at Olympia, in London, means that many more networks and NHS trusts are likely to implement the system.

Dr John Stedman, Chief Executive of NHS Innovations South East (NISE), said: "A robust IT solution that enables NHS trusts and research networks to manage trials more effectively and meet their financial and performance reporting obligations more efficiently, has to be a huge step forward in delivering the Government's vision of a vibrant health research system.

"The fact that this solution was developed within the NHS is even better news."

NISE has supported the development of EDGE by assessing its commercial feasibility, developing a business case, formalising contracts, advising on intellectual property issues and launching edge as a commercial entity.