Clinical Data Processing in Retrospect and in Prospect

Abstract

Great progress has been made in clinical data processing technology since computers were first used in the late 1950s. Substantial progress has been made in collection, processing, display and analysis. Making an historical record of this rapid progress would be an important contribution to our understanding the nature of technological progress. Despite the great technical advances in clinical data processing, these advances have not resulted in a significant shortening of the drug development process. The major challenges of the coming decade are in efficient remote data entry, implementation of the worldwide marketing authorization application, direct transmission of data to agencies, and the extension of clinical investigation of data processing technology to post-marketing surveillance.