New research from clinical trial technology firm YPrime demonstrates that artificial intelligence can dramatically improve the accuracy and speed of migrating electronic Clinical Outcome Assessments (eCOA) for global studies. Presented at ISPOR 2025, the findings show AI-enabled workflows reduced localization errors by an impressive 74% compared to traditional human-led methods.
Substantial Improvements in Migration Accuracy
The study, titled "Garbage In, Garbage Out: Can AI Reduce the Impact of Human Error in eCOA Localized Text Migration?" was presented by Jonathan Norman, YPrime's Director of Localization & Scale Management. Researchers analyzed 15 studies across 11 languages, comparing standard migration processes against YPrime's proprietary AI-powered workflow.
The AI system achieved a 74% reduction in total migration errors while also cutting the number of screen reports containing errors by 60%. Perhaps most significantly, the technology introduced zero new error types while delivering these substantial quality improvements.
Accelerated Timelines for Global Trial Readiness
Beyond error reduction, the AI workflow demonstrated remarkable efficiency gains. The localization review process was shortened by 67%, enabling faster approvals and earlier deployment of eCOA study builds. This acceleration directly supports earlier first-patient-in milestones, delivering measurable time and cost savings across global clinical programs.
Dr. Karl McEvoy, Vice President of eCOA and Patient Technologies at YPrime, emphasized the importance of these findings: "Localization is one of the most critical—and least automated—steps in global trial readiness. When AI is trained on eCOA-specific file structures and language rules, it can eliminate the most error-prone steps of the process."
Expanding Global Trial Inclusion and Recognition
The improved speed and accuracy of AI-powered localization enables pharmaceutical sponsors to maintain broader language coverage in their trials. This reduces the need to exclude underrepresented populations when research timelines tighten, promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in clinical research.
YPrime's commitment to innovation in clinical trial technology has recently earned the company recognition as a Leader in Everest Group's 2025 eCOA PEAK Matrix® Assessment. The company was also named a Trailblazer in Patient Engagement in 2024, underscoring its focus on creating digital tools that enhance access, accuracy, and equity in clinical research.
The research findings build upon YPrime's recent launches of Advanced eCOA Oversight, Automated Data Change Forms, and glucometer integrations for connected device studies. The company continues to expand its AI initiatives within the YPrime eCOA platform, focusing on quality scoring and next-generation localization workflows that strategically balance automation with essential human oversight.
