PatientsLikeMe unveils global clinical trials

PatientsLikeMe has released a new global clinical trials tool at the Healthcare Innovation Expo 2013.

Hosted by National Health Service, the tool draws on open data to match patients across the world with studies based on their condition and location, with the US tool being launched last year to assist thousands of patients to find clinical trials.

Wicks, a newly named TED Fellow and UK scientist, said: "Open data helps us accelerate the pace of research, and it's crucial we do everything possible to match patients to trials that might advance treatment and help them live better with their condition.

"We're excited to be at this year's Expo to learn what British and European healthcare innovation has in store for the NHS."

PatientsLikeMe co-founder and chairman Jamie Heywood noted that innovative solutions to healthcare at the 2013 Nuffield Trust Health Policy Summit in London.

Mr Heywood explained that a revolution in measurement is required, which would look at the severity of each condition and how it affects patients.

"The measurement should support the patient in life choices, clinicians in care choices and researchers in learning what's effective.

"And every patient should be measured as part of the care process to the degree appropriate for the severity of their condition, so that their experience can be used to guide the next patient."

PatientsLikeMe is a network that improves lives and a real-time research platform to advance medicine.

It enables patients to connect with others who have the same disease or condition and track their own experiences.

As part of this process, it is possible to generate data about the real-world implications of disease, assisting researchers, pharma companies and regulators.

PatientsLikeMe has grown into a trusted source of real-world information, providing over 30 peer-reviewed research studies.

Posted by Ben Evans