Artificial intelligence tools for optimising recruitment and retention in clinical trials: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, the influence of artificial intelligence technology on clinical trials has been steadily increasing. It has brought about significant improvements in the efficiency and cost reduction of clinical trials. The objective of this scoping review is to systematically map, describe and summarise the current utilisation of artificial intelligence in recruitment and retention process of clinical trials that has been reported in research. Additionally, the review aims to identify benefits and drawbacks, as well as barriers and facilitators associated with the application of artificial intelligence in optimising recruitment and retention in clinical trials. The findings of this review will provide insights and recommendations for future development of artificial intelligence in the context of clinical trials.

Methods and analysis: The review of relevant literature will follow the methodological framework for scoping studies provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A comprehensive electronic search will be conducted using the search strategy developed by the authors. Leading medical and computer science databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, IEEE Xplore and Web of Science Core Collection will be searched. The search will encompass analytical observational studies, descriptive observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental studies published in all languages, without any time limitations, which use artificial intelligence tools in the recruitment and retention process of clinical trials. The review team will screen the identified studies and import them into a dedicated electronic library specifically created for this review. Data extraction will be performed using a data charting table.

Ethics and dissemination: Secondary data will be attained in this scoping review; therefore, no ethical approval is required. The results of the final review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. It is expected that results will inform future artificial intelligence and clinical trials research.

Keywords: biotechnology & bioinformatics; clinical trial; medical ethics; protocols & guidelines.

Figure 1

The PRISMA-ScR flow diagram shown will be used to illustrate the processes involved in conducting this scope review. These processes mainly consist of (1) identification: stated the number of articles identified and their respective sources and provided the number of duplicates found and removed; (2) screening: provided the total number of articles screened and detailed information on the number of full-text articles that have been evaluated as eligible, the number of eligible studies and the number of excluded studies; (3) included: the number of studies provided in this section included following quality assessment, data extraction and thematic analysis, respectively. PRISMA-ScR, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews.