Vodafone is partnering with specialist firm Exco Intouch to launch a service that enables pharmaceutical companies and research organisations to more effectively collect data from participants’ mobile phones during clinical trials. The mobile operator has signed an agreement to work with Exco Intouch, a firm that specialises in interactive patient management services. The new service will enable patients participating in trials to provide data by using their own mobile handsets.

Called Vodafone PRO (patient reported outcomes), the service will be available globally. Exco’s role is to manage the relationship with patients so that pharmaceutical and contract research organisations can find and successfully retain participants for their trials, as well as enabling efficient data collection.  Tim Davis, the CEO of Exco Intouch, said mobile technology was increasingly being recognised by large pharmaceutical firms as a useful way to collect clinical trial data.

Separately Vodafone has launched a mobile health website in India that enables subscribers to ask a health-related question to which a medical professional will supply an answer within 24 hours. The service, which is called Ask a Doctor – Health@5, costs Rs5 per day and covers areas such as EveryDay Health, which includes general medical information,  Did You Know?, which is facts and trivia, Medical Diaries, which offers case studies, Home Remedies for basic health issues and Diet & Fitness Management. Subscribers can also see what other questions are being submitted alongside their own queries.