ASCENSION-Q LIMITED

AscensionQ

AQ CTMS ensures quality across study life cycle, supporting feasibility, setup, delegation, recruitment, scheduling, data collection, and reporting. Offering innovative tools for quick research, seamless communication, and compliance. The eISF streamlines document management, ensuring efficiency and security. The AQ Quality and Document Management System prioritizes customer needs with tailored solutions

Features

• Innovative tools for recruitment, planning, and study delivery support
• Electronic Investigator Site File (eISF) for digital document management.
• Role-based access, version control, and real-time dashboards for oversight.
• Modular components for bespoke solutions in clinical research
• Fully integrated system on a single operational platform databases.
• Custom-built applications tailored to specific research requirements.
• Manage trial documentation and share remotely with sponsors.
• AQ Quality and Document Management System: Comprehensive, user-friendly platform.
• Transformative document management with workflow automation and collaboration
• Comprehensive solution for entire study life cycle management.

Benefits

• Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in study management processes
• Improved recruitment, planning, and delivery outcomes through innovative tools
• Reduced regulatory compliance risks with organised and auditable documents
• Improve revenues by managing more studies and more patients.
• Real time key performance indicators operational and study related
• Transparent audit trails for compliance and accountability purposes.
• Manage and coordinate multisite studies.
• Enhanced data security and confidentiality with secure access controls
• Simplified staff training processes with easy access to training materials
• Faster document processing and reduced errors with workflow automation

£5,000 to £35,000 a licence

• Free trial available

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at amitava.ganguli@aq-trials.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

368410073939441

Contact

Amitava Ganguli
07595350151
amitava.ganguli@aq-trials.com

Service scope

• Software add-on or extension: No
• Cloud deployment model: Public cloud
• Service constraints: Viewing external patient data is dependent on having active sharing data agreements in place.
• System requirements:
  • Internet connection required
  • Minimum specification for PC/Web environments
  • Minimum specification for Android Tab environments

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: Email to ech@aq-trials.com; Support is provided in line with our support levels below.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: No
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support: No
• Onsite support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support levels: P 1 - Service unavailable for all users - Resolution time 6 working hours; ; P 2 - Individual service unavailable - Resolution time 8 working hours; ; P 3 - Core/Clinical module failure - Resolution time 24 working hours; ; P 4 – Non-core module failure - Resolution time 50 working hours; ; P 5 – New requirements or screen changes or UX issues- Resolution time potential future release if agreed by supplier-customer support group
• Support available to third parties: No

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: Training is provided as part of the implementation project. The trust should nominate system administrators/ expert users to deal with routine queries after implementation. Documentation is also provided and there is help within the system.; The apps are intuitive, based on current recording methods, so will be familiar to staff.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: Data collected will be stored on the server housed as required at the trust; the trust always has access and control of its data. If the trust chooses not to use the app, the data would remain accessible on the trust server.
• End-of-contract process: All data will be extracted from the system and provided to Trusts in JSON/XML format.; ; Once the trusts confirms safe receipt of data on their systems AscensionQ Ltd will destroy all the data present on our servers and provide a written confirmation of the same.; ; Data extraction in another format other than JSON/XML will incur a cost

Using the service

• Web browser interface: Yes
• Supported browsers:
  • Internet Explorer 11
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Safari
• Application to install: No
• Designed for use on mobile devices: Yes
• Differences between the mobile and desktop service: -No app to download or installation required; -Browser-based, multi-device tool
• Service interface: No
• User support accessibility: None or don’t know
• API: No
• Customisation available: Yes
• Description of customisation: -Product is offered on a Software-As-a-Service (SaaS) model and minimum customisation is allowed.; -New data capture templates can be created for various healthcare specialities

Scaling

• Independence of resources: AscensionQ provide both vertical and horizontal scaling.; ; The system has been designed to manage large volumes of participant transactions in an efficient manner.; ; The use of ISO13606 as the underlying architecture provide the flexibility to scale and adopt.

Analytics

• Service usage metrics: Yes
• Metrics types: We provide a series of metrics based on data available. However trusts can define metrics they wish to view, the reporting tools are included in the software
• Reporting types:
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
  • Reports on request

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

Asset protection

• Knowledge of data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Data storage and processing locations: United Kingdom
• User control over data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Datacentre security standards: Managed by a third party
• Penetration testing frequency: At least once a year
• Penetration testing approach: In-house
• Protecting data at rest:
  • Encryption of all physical media
  • Other
• Other data at rest protection approach: Data is stored in a way that demographic data and clinical data are stored in different set of tables. They are only linked at run-time with the two factor authentication.
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Data sanitisation type: Deleted data can’t be directly accessed
• Equipment disposal approach: In-house destruction process

Data importing and exporting

• Data export approach: The AscensionQ system can provide an out of box reporting tools accessible via its web version which can be exported to Microsoft Excel for further analysis. We work with trusts to help define data the requirement and the standards used for export. This is our data extraction services for customers wishing to analyse more complex criteria. We also provide a data analytics service with can be purchased separately.
• Data export formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data export formats:
  • JSON
  • XML
• Data import formats:
  • CSV
  • Other
• Other data import formats:
  • JSON
  • XML

Data-in-transit protection

• Data protection between buyer and supplier networks:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • Legacy SSL and TLS (under version 1.2)
• Data protection within supplier network:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • Legacy SSL and TLS (under version 1.2)

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: Application availability 98% with a threshold of 96%. Infrastructure downtime or other incidents within Force Majeur, planned or unplanned, is excluded from this calculation
• Approach to resilience: Available on request. Resilience provided by underlying hosting platform
• Outage reporting: Email Alerts

Identity and authentication

• User authentication needed: Yes
• User authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Username or password
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: • Username and two-factor authentication; • Limited access over dedicated link, enterprise or community network; • Role Base Access Controls (RBAC)
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least once a year
• Management access authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Username or password

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long user audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long supplier audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• How long system logs are stored for: At least 12 months

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: No
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: Yes
• Other security certifications: No

Security governance

• Named board-level person responsible for service security: Yes
• Security governance certified: No
• Security governance approach: AscensionQ Ltd is committed to ensuring security governance is given the highest level of importance. We have consultants who have worked in the security and information governance domain and are helping us to achieve the ISO/IEC 27001 certification
• Information security policies and processes: Our Information Security management System is used as a tool to assist us to identify and comply with business and legal/regulatory requirement and contractual security obligations. All Procedures are reviewed once a year to make sure they comply. All staff are required to comply with our information security guidelines

Operational security

• Configuration and change management standard: Supplier-defined controls
• Configuration and change management approach: Our configuration and change management processes services are aligned to ITIL. All build and configuration assets are version controlled using source control. All changes are peer reviewed by at least two others and UAT performed before being merged into the base codebase
• Vulnerability management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Vulnerability management approach: We do in-house penetration testing. Any known vulnerabilities should be patched within 24 hours. In addition we have robust vulnerability management processes in place within Microsoft Azure to identify, triage, and mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Protective monitoring type: Supplier-defined controls
• Protective monitoring approach: Realtime monitoring is in place to monitor potential compromises.; Microsoft Azure communicates any data breach if it becomes aware of such.; Escalation processes are in place once any compromise is identified.; The degree of compromise will determine resource allocation and urgency of response. In most cases any compromise will be addressed immediately
• Incident management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Incident management approach: Customers can phone or email with incidents. In addition we also have procedures for; - Conducting risk assessments for discovered security incidents.; - Notify clients in the event a security incident occurs.; - Revising our annual Security Risk Analysis and Risk Management Plan as necessary

Secure development

• Approach to secure software development best practice: Supplier-defined process

Public sector networks

• Connection to public sector networks: No

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Covid-19 recovery
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

  Fighting climate change

  The AQ platform plays a role in combating climate change through its efficient management of clinical research studies. By streamlining processes from feasibility to reporting, AQ CTMS reduces the time and resources required for research activities. This translates to fewer physical resources consumed, such as paper and transportation, ultimately reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional research methods.; ; Furthermore, the electronic management of essential documents through AQ's eISF minimises the need for printing and storing physical documents, leading to significant reductions in paper usage and waste generation. The platform's emphasis on regulatory compliance ensures that environmental regulations are adhered to, contributing to sustainable practices within the research industry.; ; Additionally, by centralising all trial-related documents in one accessible repository, the AQ Quality and Document Management System reduces the need for redundant document storage systems across various sectors. This consolidation not only saves storage space but also decreases the energy consumption required to maintain multiple storage infrastructures.; ; The modular design of Ascension-Q reflects a commitment to tailored solutions, allowing organizations to implement only the components they need, thereby minimizing unnecessary resource consumption. Moreover, AQ's integrated system simplifies trial operations, reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with conducting clinical trials.; ; By prioritising customer needs and offering purpose-built applications, AQ ensures that researchers can focus on their work efficiently, without the burden of navigating cumbersome and generic systems. This focus on efficiency translates to reduced resource consumption and environmental impact throughout the entire research process.; ; In summary, the AQ platform's innovative solutions for clinical research management contribute to the fight against climate change by promoting sustainability, reducing resource consumption, and streamlining operations for researchers worldwide.

  Covid-19 recovery

  The AQ platform presents a tailored solution to aid the UK's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing the backlog of clinical trials and facilitating new opportunities for NHS organisations. With its quality-driven approach, AQ CTMS streamlines the entire study lifecycle, expediting feasibility assessments, setup processes, participant recruitment, and data collection. This efficiency ensures that clinical trials can be conducted swiftly and effectively, contributing to the acceleration of research efforts.; ; The innovative tools offered by AQ support recruitment, planning, and study delivery, enabling seamless communication with trial participants. This enhanced communication fosters greater engagement and participation, crucial for the success of clinical trials, especially in the context of pandemic recovery.; ; AQ's Electronic Investigator Site File (eISF) revolutionises document management at clinical sites, ensuring efficiency, accessibility, and real-time updates. This transformative solution facilitates collaboration among investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies, streamlining trial operations and ensuring data accuracy and security. Real-time dashboards provide oversight, crucial for managing the influx of clinical trial activities amidst the recovery phase.; ; Furthermore, the AQ Quality and Document Management System centralizes trial-related documents, accelerating document processing, minimising errors, and ensuring regulatory compliance. By simplifying storage, retrieval, and collaborative management of critical documents, this system alleviates administrative burdens on NHS organizations, allowing them to focus more resources on addressing healthcare challenges.; ; Ascension-Q's modular components offer bespoke solutions tailored to the specific needs of clinical research, making it adaptable to diverse NHS settings. Its fully integrated system supports all clinical trials with the highest standards of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), simplifying trial operations while adhering to regulatory and data protection requirements.; ; In summary, the AQ platform stands as a versatile tool to support the UK's recovery efforts by addressing clinical trial backlogs, facilitating new research opportunities, and streamlining trial operations for NHS organisations.

  Tackling economic inequality

  The AQ platform serves as an equaliser in clinical research, empowering hospitals of all sizes across diverse socio-economic landscapes within the NHS to conduct clinical trials and generate commercial income. Regardless of whether they are situated in affluent cities or underserved regions, hospitals can leverage the AQ platform to participate in clinical research, thereby advancing medical knowledge and contributing to their financial sustainability.; ; One of the key advantages of the AQ platform is its versatility and adaptability to the specific needs and resources of different healthcare facilities. Its modular design allows hospitals to tailor the platform according to their capacity and expertise, ensuring that even smaller hospitals with limited resources can participate in clinical trials effectively. This flexibility levels the playing field, enabling hospitals in less affluent regions to compete on an equal footing.; ; The AQ platform streamlines the entire clinical trial process, from feasibility assessment to data collection and reporting, making it more efficient and cost-effective for hospitals of any size. By automating administrative tasks and providing innovative tools for recruitment and communication, AQ enables hospitals to conduct trials with greater ease and effectiveness, regardless of their location or financial status.; ; Furthermore, participation in clinical trials through the AQ platform offers hospitals the opportunity to generate commercial income, which can be reinvested into improving patient care and infrastructure. This additional revenue stream can be particularly transformative, enabling them to expand their services, upgrade facilities, and provide job opportunities, ultimately enhancing healthcare delivery for their communities.; ; The AQ platform serves as a "affordable " catalyst for innovation and progress in clinical research, breaking down barriers and enabling hospitals of all sizes across regions in the NHS to participate in trials and generate commercial income. This advances medical science and promotes equity in healthcare access and delivery, regardless of socio-economic disparities.

  Equal opportunity

  The AQ platform serves as a catalyst for promoting equal opportunities in clinical research, responding to the FDA's imperative to include underrepresented groups in clinical trials while concurrently fostering career diversification for NHS staff.; ; In addressing the FDA's mandate, AQ facilitates the inclusion of underrepresented groups through its comprehensive suite of tools and resources. By streamlining the clinical trial process from inception to completion, AQ ensures that trials are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Its innovative features, such as targeted recruitment tools and multilingual support, enable researchers to engage with underrepresented communities effectively, broadening the scope of trial participation and fostering inclusivity in medical research.; ; Moreover, undertaking clinical trials supported by the AQ platform offers NHS staff a unique opportunity to diversify their careers and expand their professional horizons. By participating in clinical research initiatives, healthcare professionals can gain valuable experience in a new and dynamic space, acquiring skills and knowledge that complement their existing expertise. This exposure not only enriches their career trajectories but also enhances their ability to deliver high-quality care and contribute meaningfully to healthcare innovation.; ; Furthermore, the modular nature of the AQ platform allows NHS staff to tailor their involvement in clinical trials according to their interests and career aspirations. Whether they are clinicians, researchers, or administrative personnel, individuals can leverage AQ to explore new avenues and pursue opportunities for growth and development. This flexibility empowers NHS staff to chart their own professional paths, opening doors to diverse career opportunities within the healthcare industry.; ; By promoting inclusivity in clinical trials and offering avenues for career diversification, the AQ platform embodies the principles of equal opportunities and diversity in healthcare. Through its user-centric approach and commitment to innovation, AQ not only advances medical research but also empowers NHS staff to thrive in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape

  Wellbeing

  Participating in clinical trials facilitated by the AQ platform offers numerous benefits for patients within the NHS, significantly enhancing their overall wellbeing by providing access to advanced treatments, personalised care, and potential medical breakthroughs.; ; Firstly, involvement in clinical trials supported by the AQ platform grants patients access to cutting-edge treatments and interventions not typically available through standard care pathways. Enrolling in trials allows patients to access novel therapies, experimental drugs, and innovative medical devices, offering hope for improved health outcomes and quality of life. This access to state-of-the-art treatments empowers patients to explore new avenues for managing their conditions, fostering optimism for better health outcomes.; ; Moreover, clinical trials often incorporate personalised care approaches tailored to individual patient needs. Through rigorous monitoring and data collection facilitated by AQ's comprehensive tools, healthcare providers can gather insights into patient responses to treatment, enabling them to customise interventions and adapt care plans accordingly. This personalised approach ensures patients receive care tailored to their unique medical profiles, preferences, and objectives, ultimately enhancing their satisfaction and wellbeing throughout the trial process.; ; Additionally, participating in clinical trials offers patients the chance to contribute to medical advancements and scientific discoveries that benefit not only themselves but also future generations. By volunteering for research studies, patients play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge, driving innovation, and improving healthcare outcomes worldwide. The contribution to the greater good can be deeply fulfilling for patients, instilling a sense of empowerment and purpose in their healthcare journey.; ; In summary, engaging in clinical trials facilitated by the AQ platform holds immense potential for enhancing the wellbeing of patients within the NHS. Through access to advanced treatments, personalised care, and opportunities to contribute to medical advancements, patients experience improved health outcomes, increased satisfaction, and a greater sense of agency in managing their health.

Pricing

• Price: £5,000 to £35,000 a licence
• Discount for educational organisations: No
• Free trial available: Yes
• Description of free trial: Case-by case basis , period of up to 12 weeks.

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at amitava.ganguli@aq-trials.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.