Randomization and Trial Supply Management (RTSM)

Randomization and trial supply management (RTSM) is the process by which clinical trials are managed. It is a relatively new term that was coined to replace the interactive response system (IRS) to reflect the necessary interactions between the principal functions and the evolutions of technology and scale of functionality. RTSM allows for the management of trial subjects from enrollment to randomization, blinding, and unblinding. It is also used to manage supplies and drugs for clinical trials.

he main modalities used for RTSM include:

  • Interactive Web Response System (IWRS)
  • Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS)
  • Mobile Response System (MRS) 

IWRS and MRS are used more frequently, but IVRS remains an important tool to minimize bias by being able to enroll subjects who have limited access to the internet. IVRS can also be helpful in situations where randomization is time sensitive.

Source: The State of IRT and RTSM Technologies. (2021, September 8). Applied Clinical Trials Online. Retrieved June 29, 2022, from https://www.appliedclinicaltrialsonline.com/view/the-state-of-irt-and-rtsm-technologies