The National Library of Medicine (NLM) continues to make strides in modernizing the ClinicalTrials.gov website and the associated Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS). The latest release marks a significant milestone, with the Modernized PRS now serving as the primary website for protocol registration. Here is a rundown of the key updates and resources available to users.
Transition to the Modernized PRS
With this update, users will now access the Modernized PRS as the default site for managing study records. The modernized Record List will greet users upon logging in. This list will include study records without Results, Delayed Results, and Study Documents, which will open in the Modernized PRS. However, study records that contain sections still under development, such as Results or Study Documents, will continue to open in the Classic PRS.
The system allows seamless movement between the Modernized and Classic PRS to ensure a smooth experience, especially for managing accounts, uploading records, and accessing certain help documents. The integration of redirects from the modernized site to the classic site is designed to help users navigate between the systems effectively.
What’s New in the Modernized PRS?
Several enhancements have been made in the Modernized PRS to improve the user experience:
- Modernized Record List: The Record List is now the default page users see upon logging in. It features a Planning View, which includes an “Action Expected” menu to filter records requiring corrections, updates, or results by specific dates. This feature replaces the Action Expected button and Custom Filter options from the classic PRS.
- Enhanced User Guidance: The updated “About the Modernized PRS” page provides additional user guidance and is now available as an Adobe PDF.
Important Considerations
As the Modernized PRS is still under development, users may notice differences in their study records between the modernized and classic versions. Reviewing and resolving any validation errors or warnings in the Classic PRS before switching between the two sites is crucial. Always remember to save your changes to avoid losing any critical updates.
New Educational Resources
To assist users in navigating the updated system, ClinicalTrials.gov has released a new series of videos under the “Fast Forward from ClinicalTrials.gov” banner. These short videos provide step-by-step guidance on various tasks, such as navigating between the Modernized and Classic PRS and filtering the modernized Record List. Notably, these videos are part of NLM’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and address common questions from the research community.
Fast Forward Video Series
This video series aims to help users understand and utilize the Modernized PRS better. Some of the key videos include:
- How to Navigate Between the Modernized and Classic PRS Websites
- How to Filter the Modernized PRS Record List for Records with Problems
- How to Search for Studies That May Interest You
Feedback from users is encouraged to help NLM continue developing and improving these resources.
Conclusion
The modernization of ClinicalTrials.gov and the PRS reflects NLM’s commitment to improving user experience and facilitating more efficient protocol registration. As this system continues to evolve, users can expect further enhancements and resources to help them navigate the changes. For more detailed information on the latest updates, users are encouraged to review the release notes and explore the new educational videos provided by ClinicalTrials.gov.
