In major depressive disorder, researchers have used remote assessments for decades. As a result, many of these studies have had an easier time adapting to the new clinical trial landscape. But that doesn’t mean they are pandemic-proof.

So what are the critical success factors for clinical depression programs—especially now? 

In his conversation with WCG President of Patient Advocacy Steve Smith, Mark Opler, PhD, MPH, Chief Research Officer at WCG MedAvante-ProPhase offers his insights on the future of clinical depression trials. This is the third episode in our podcast series, “Transforming CNS Trials During COVID-19—and Beyond.”

We’re headed in the right direction by enabling more patient-friendly evaluation, but – especially in light of the pandemic – we must continue to refine these systems and make sure that we have the input of patients, caregivers, and of course, investigators.

Among his recommendations: Ensure clinicians have the right depression-assessment tools and that they are using them correctly.

It’s also critical, he says, to have a solid remote assessment methodology in place. This means not only incorporating the right tools, but also establishing a way of continuously protecting data quality, such as WCG's Study Insight Analytics Platform.

Mark Opler, PhD, MPH, is Chief Research Officer at WCG MedAvante-ProPhase. Dr. Opler was the founder of ProPhase and served as its CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, among other roles. He serves as adjunct assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University and assistant professor of clinical neuroscience at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is also leading the development of the forthcoming edition of the PANSS Manual.