Threat Detection

Tailored, evidence-based interventions that mitigate the risks of bias, variability and human error in clinical trials, especially those with subjective primary endpoints.

De-risk trials through Threat Detection

WCG’s portfolio of tailored, evidence-based interventions mitigates the risks of bias, variability, and human error in clinical trials, especially those with subjective primary endpoints. The result: improved caliber of data; clearer signals; and standardized, accurate studies.

WCG’s threat detection interventions prevent problems and catch them as they arise for continuous study improvement.

Whether it’s through placebo response reduction, accurate symptom reporting, or rater training, our interventions are based on years of clinical expertise and extensive trial experience, firmly grounded in proven concepts of adult learning. Clinical and psychometric experts—including the authors of widely used rating scale instruments—train investigators, research participants, and site staff, thereby increasing the validity and clinical meaningfulness of your primary measures.

Your study has no room for imprecision on the part of raters, participants, or investigators. Threat detection can increase the accuracy and reliability of your clinical trial, giving you a greater chance to attain your primary endpoint.

Save your trial

Placebo response frequently leads to study failure. To increase your chances of success, neutralize expectations with Placebo Response Reduction.

Improve data accuracy

By training participants to assess and report their symptoms more accurately with Accurate Symptom Reporting.

Ensure consistent scoring

Improved data quality starts with Rater Services, including Independent Ratings, Independent Review, and Rater Training.

Explore WCG’s Threat Detection Solutions

Improve Participant-Reported Data with Accurate Symptom Reporting Training

Teaching participants to be more introspective about what’s going on inside their own bodies allows them to report their pain—and other subjective symptoms—more accurately. In effect, you reduce variability and inoculate them against the external cues that drive the placebo response. Participants are trained at the outset and throughout the trial as needed.

WCG has developed and validated the industry-leading training program to improve the accuracy of symptom reporting.

Neutralize Expectations with Placebo Response Reduction Training

Placebo response leads to failed studies. This is a particular concern in trials with subjective endpoints, where the expectation of benefit drives the placebo response. To reduce the placebo response, we must neutralize expectations of treatment benefits.

Our Placebo Response Reduction intervention provides a psychoeducational approach to training for staff and participants alike.

Ensure Consistent Scoring with Rater Services

Ensure consistent scoring with Independent Ratings, Independent Review, and Rater Training. Rater bias, rater errors, and rater variability put the quality of clinical data–and the entire trial–at risk.

WCG delivers training based on years of clinical expertise and extensive trial experience that is firmly grounded in proven concepts of adult learning.
Only those raters trained and certified on a particular scale have access to that scale. Moreover, this training is not “once and done.” Rater training begins before the study and continues as needed, providing both prevention and timely intervention.

Because we maintain a constantly updated list of trained raters, we can deploy them quickly when and where they are needed.

Want to see how threat detection can reduce bias, variability, and human error in your next trial?

We can show you—let’s talk. Complete the form to request and schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your needs, review the right interventions for your study, and demonstrate how you can continuously correct threats to your primary endpoint.