Brent Julius Liu PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ximing Wang MS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Clarisa Martinez, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carolee J. Winstein PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Workflow engines have been shown to improve efficiency in business by automating processes. Complex clinical research workflows--such as those of rehabilitation clinical trials--that efficiently collect, analyze, and distribute multimedia data at various stages within the workflow can also benefit from these workflow engines. Currently, the data management needs of clinical trials are typically addressed with custom-built systems. However, the challenge arises when changes to the workflow require additional software development, a step that can be time- and resource-consuming, and can negatively impact data collection. To address this issue, we present an intelligent workflow engine for complex randomized control trials. We will first apply it to the existing system that was developed for a rehabilitation clinical trial designed to understand the optimal dose of a principle-based rehabilitation intervention after stroke (DOSE). The results will yield a new application of workflow engines that can be possibly extended to other clinical trials.

The system enables a project coordinator to build a data collection and management system specifically related to study protocol workflow through a graphical user interface. A library of modules can be chosen and added to each phase of the workflow. Prior to each treatment session, the user can predetermine which evaluation tools will be utilized and in what order they will be performed according to protocol. A web-based DICOM viewer is integrated for visualization of brain images. The usefulness of the system will be evaluated with data from the 12 subjects enrolled in the DOSE trial. The target enrollment is 60 subjects over a 4-year period.

Intelligent workflow engine provides flexibility to build and tailor the workflow for different stages within the clinical trial. By providing a solution to tailor and automate the workflow, the system will save time and reduce errors for project coordinators.

We developed a new imaging informatics-based system with an intelligent workflow engine. Although our system is designed for a rehabilitation trial, it has the potential to be extended to other non-rehabilitation clinical trials

Liu, B, Wang, X, Martinez, C, Winstein, C, An Imaging Informatics-based System with a Novel Intelligent Workflow Engine to Support Rehabilitation Clinical Trial Research.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13013881.html