Unlocking the True Value of IDS: Why Time-Based Metrics Matter
As clinical trials become increasingly complex, Investigational Drug Services (IDS) teams face expanding responsibilities that traditional metrics simply can’t capture. Yet many institutions still measure IDS productivity solely through volume-based metrics, such as doses prepared or shipments received, failing to capture the nuanced, high-value work IDS teams perform daily.
Our latest white paper, Demonstrating the Value of IDS Through Time-Based Metrics, by Rachael Aletti, Pharm. D., explores why incorporating time-based metrics alongside traditional indicators provides a clearer, more accurate, and actionable understanding of IDS operations. By shifting the focus from mere volume to actual time investment, institutions can optimize resource allocation, justify budgets, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Why Time-Based Metrics?
Volume-based metrics alone don’t reflect the true complexity and effort of IDS tasks. For instance, preparing a single investigational dose can take up to an hour due to specialized handling and detailed documentation, compared to just 10–20 minutes for standard-of-care drugs. Time-based metrics accurately account for these complexities, providing a clearer picture of the actual workload.
A recent industry survey highlighted five essential metrics critical for IDS workload tracking:
- Active protocols
- Dispenses
- New studies initiated
- Patients treated; and,
- Clinical interventions
By combining these metrics with time-based assessments, IDS teams gain more accurate workload tracking, facilitating internal growth and enabling benchmarking against peer institutions.
Practical Approaches to Workload Tracking
The whitepaper outlines practical strategies for capturing time-based metrics; from manual time studies, useful as an initial step, to advanced automated tracking via platforms like Vestigo®. Automated systems streamline data collection, analysis, and reporting, significantly reducing administrative burdens.
Operational Impact and Benefits
Implementing time-based metrics enables IDS teams to:
- Precisely quantify activities and their complexities
- Improve budgeting accuracy and adjust fee structures accordingly
- Boost operational efficiency by identifying and addressing workflow bottlenecks
- Make informed, data-driven staffing and resource allocation decisions
- Facilitate benchmarking and collaboration with peer institutions
Future Outlook
Standardizing these metrics across institutions will strengthen benchmarking capabilities, foster collaboration, and drive continuous improvement in IDS operations.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Learn how your IDS team can leverage time-based metrics to demonstrate value clearly, drive smarter decision-making, and enhance operational effectiveness. Discover how shifting from traditional metrics to a time-focused approach can transform your IDS operations and unlock valuable insights for sustained growth and efficiency.
About the Author
Idayat Akindele, MBA
Idayat is a strategic marketing professional with over 8 years of experience driving growth in the healthcare and technology sectors. She currently serves as Marketing Manager at McCreadie Group, where she leads multi-channel campaigns, brand strategy, and demand generation efforts to expand the reach of Vestigo and other product lines.
Prior to joining McCreadie Group, Idayat held roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and other life sciences organizations, where she honed her expertise in digital marketing, automation, and content strategy. She holds an MBA from the Rady School of Management at UC San Diego, where she focused on marketing and business strategy.
Known for her collaborative approach and results-driven mindset, Idayat is passionate about translating complex healthcare solutions into compelling narratives that resonate with clinical research professionals and decision-makers.