How is the usability and accessibility of clinical trial documentation improved with DITA in the pharmaceutical industry?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Enhancing the usability and accessibility of clinical trial documentation is of paramount importance in the pharmaceutical industry. DITA XML offers several advantages in achieving these goals, ultimately improving the efficiency of information retrieval and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.

Structured Content

One key aspect of improving usability is the structured nature of DITA content. Clinical trial documentation can be extensive and complex, making it challenging for users to locate specific information. DITA’s structured approach allows for the organization of content into topics, maps, and hierarchies, making it easier for users to navigate and find relevant information quickly.

Accessibility Compliance

DITA XML supports the creation of accessible documentation, aligning with industry and legal requirements for accessibility. By incorporating accessibility features like alt text for images, semantic markup, and proper heading structures, pharmaceutical organizations can ensure that clinical trial documentation is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This commitment to accessibility enhances the inclusivity of the content and promotes compliance with accessibility regulations.

Example:

Here’s an example of how DITA XML can improve usability and accessibility:


<topic id="patient-recruitment">
  <title>Patient Recruitment Strategies</title>
  <body>
    <p>Effective patient recruitment is essential for the success of clinical trials. This topic provides insights into various strategies for identifying and enrolling suitable participants.</p>
    <ul>
      <li><a href="patient-inclusion.dita">Patient Inclusion Criteria</a>
      <li><a href="informed-consent.dita">Informed Consent Process</a>
      <li><a href="accessible-recruitment-materials.dita">Creating Accessible Recruitment Materials</a>
    </ul>
  </body>

In this example, DITA’s structured content allows for clear navigation within the topic “Patient Recruitment Strategies,” improving usability. Additionally, DITA promotes accessibility through semantic markup and links to topics covering accessible recruitment materials.