Digital Pen & Paper

Although the promise for a truly digitized data collection process is out for at least 20 year, the truth is that the majority of clinical studies is still using paper based Case Record Forms (CRFs).
One of the major reasons for this is that paper CRFs is the preferred method for most investigators. In order to combine the speed of Electronic Data Collection (EDC) with the ease-of-use of paper CRFs, we have now integrated the Digital Pen & Paper solution with DataFax.
This unique method has been developed by Anoto. It requires Digital paper, that is, paper which is printed with a very fine pattern. This pattern informs a Digital pen with an integrated camera on its position on a page. Through its integrated force and movement sensor, the Digital pen will capture exactly what has been written (and where and when).

In cooperation with PharmaForms, Thorin has fully integrated this Digital Pen & Paper solution with DataFax. Upon transfer of the data from the pen, either wireless via a bluetooth connection with a mobile phone, or via a USB port connection of a PC, the handwritten data of eac CRF page will be overlayed on an empty CRF page and combined into a complete PDF of that CRF page. This PDF copy will be send by e-mail to the DataFax server and handled as any other CRF page. Any updates to a CRF page will be merged with earlier versions of that page, thus ensuring that even spontaneous updates by an investigator will never be missed.

A typical example where the Digital Pen & Paper solution would have its benefits is a study with a patient diary. While the investigator enters other clinical data directly by EDC, patients could be provided with a questionnaire printed on the Digital paper. Data could be transferred when visiting the site, or directly over a mobile phone. As a secondary advantage over a traditional paper CRF, the digital pen will also store when something was written. This can be useful when verifying patient compliance. Or in a Medical Device study where a sponsor wants feedback on implantation procedures as collection during Surgery, and not retrospectively entered 1 or 2 days later. Thoring - DataFax - Data Collection Methods - Digital Pen & Paper

Online Demo

An Online Demo is the best way to get a more indepth understanding of DataFax. By using GoToMeeting, we are able to display DataFax on one or more PC's in your office, while audio is provided by phone.

Thus we are able to interact with you and show you a 'life answer' to any of your questions.

To request an online Demo: Thorin contact page

Related information

Visit the Anoto Website and see how Digital Paper works.

Visit the Anoto Website and see how the Digital Pen works.

Visit the PharmaForms Website.