WeGuide’s Multilingual Platform Supports INHERIT COVID-19 Study

Introduction:

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Innovative solutions are critical in medical research, especially when addressing global health challenges like COVID-19. The pandemic highlighted the urgent need for effective ways to reduce virus transmission. In response, Murdoch Children's Research Institute  (MCRI) leading the Intranasal Heparin Trial (INHERIT) aimed to test the effectiveness of an intranasal heparin spray in preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, the trial encountered challenges, particularly in engaging participants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and integrating multi-source data from multiple family members. To overcome these obstacles, MCRI collaborated with WeGuide, a digital health solution tailored to streamline clinical trial processes, ensure accurate data collection, and facilitate inclusive research.

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The challenges:

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When it comes to clinical trials, engaging participants from diverse backgrounds is essential, but it is also often challenging. The INHERIT study, designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, faced difficulties in collecting reliable data from families participating in the trial. Many CALD communities encounter barriers due to language differences and the complexities of data collection. These challenges can prevent their willingness to participate in research that could benefit them and their communities. Moreover, the need for multiple family members to contribute data often complicates the process, making it crucial to find an efficient way to gather information without overwhelming participants.

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The solution:

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To overcome these challenges, MCRI worked closely with WeGuide to provide a digital health solution specifically designed to enhance participant engagement and simplify data collection. The platform was tailored to support ten different languages, enabling CALD participants to engage comfortably with the trial process. WeGuide’s platform was designed with a focus on accessibility, allowing participants to navigate it easily, regardless of their technological experience. Additionally, the platform facilitated the collection of multi-source data from multiple family members into a single shared record, which simplified the process for participants while maintaining data quality.

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The outcomes:

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By implementing WeGuide, MCRI successfully addressed the key challenges of participant engagement and data collection in the INHERIT trial. The platform was launched within weeks, enabling the trial to proceed without delays. Its accessible design and multilingual support led to high adherence rates, while the integration of multi-source data provided reliable, high-quality datasets that captured the diverse experiences of participants. This outcome demonstrates how technology can simplify processes and foster greater participation in clinical trials, particularly within CALD communities.

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Conclusion:

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The INHERIT trial’s partnership with WeGuide demonstrates how technology can help overcome barriers in clinical research. By developing a multilingual, accessible platform, WeGuide enhanced data collection processes and fostered inclusive research practices in healthcare. This approach values every participant’s contribution, setting a new standard for clinical trials addressing challenges like COVID-19. WeGuide’s involvement in the INHERIT trial highlights the transformative potential of digital health solutions in advancing medical research and improving healthcare outcomes.