Over the years before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, most clinical trials and clinical research were based on a centralized system which proved to be working until the pandemic hit, and it all changed. So, to adjust to the new reality after the Covid-19 pandemic, the clinical trials market had to adopt a decentralized trials system to conduct clinical research more effectively and efficiently.

The switch to decentralized trials has proven to be very beneficial to all parties involved, from the patient to the research groups responsible for data collection. It is also beneficial to those running clinical studies. Therefore, in this post, you’ll learn what a centralized clinical trial is, its benefits, and some of the decentralized trial trends.

What is a Decentralized Clinical Trial?

Decentralized clinical trials are clinical studies or trials in which the party conducting the trial design and data collection uses clinical solutions throughout. With decentralized trials, the research sites are also scattered across the study area; thus, patients don’t always have to travel to the doctor, but the doctor/researcher can come to the patient.

One thing about decentralized systems is that they exist on a spectrum. This allows the individuals running the clinical studies a wide range of options on how to conduct the study. As a result, it offers room for virtual trials where the patient can perform the trial alone but under the guidance of the researcher.

Also, with decentralized trials, data quality, and data collection can be improved by using the latest technologies like wearable devices that keep track of the patient’s behavior and responses to the clinical trial and relay the information directly to pharmaceutical companies or research sites.

Benefits Of Decentralized Clinical Trials

Accelerated patient recruitment

Since decentralized trials tend to use digital health technologies, which most patients view as easy to access, more are willing to join. Also, they help reduce the number of hospital and research site visits for patients.

Improved data collection and quality

Since most decentralized trials use new technologies like wearable devices and apps, the data collection process is more efficient. The data is way more accurate than traditional data collection methods. Also, the data quality is very high, given that it is collected from a real-world setting

More patient involvement

With the implementation of artificial intelligence into most decentralized clinical trial programs, patients become more involved and engaged. It is because they can run the tests independently and enter the findings into the clinical solutions available to them. This is done through an electronic diary which the researcher can access.

Improved participant diversity

With decentralized clinical research, you are assured of a much more diverse participant pool. This is a requirement for most clinical trial regulatory agencies, especially if you are involved in drug development.

What Are the Latest Decentralized Clinical Trial Trends in The Market

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, many health sector members, including pharmaceutical companies, have been aiming at developing new trends that will give them an edge in the fight for a larger market share in clinical studies. Some of these recent trends include:

The continued growth of decentralized clinical studies

Most clinical studies have been altered after the Covid-19 pandemic to accommodate a decentralized system as a result of the benefits that a decentralized system can bring to pharmaceutical companies or research groups.

Increased participation in clinical trials

Most individuals fear being part of clinical research since they aren’t aware of what it entails. They aren’t aware of the distance to the research sites, and the lack of any control over the trial.

But with decentralized clinical trials, the research sites are close to the participants. Also, participants have a semblance of control, especially in virtual trials. This is because they can conduct the trial alone under the guidance of the researchers and then feed in the results virtually

Improved data quality and accuracy

Since decentralized trials mainly utilize digital health technologies such as wearable devices, data collection accuracy is significantly increased. Also, with wearable devices, data quality is much better since it is collected in real time and in a much more natural setting

Improved patient recruitment

With the implementation of artificial intelligence in patient requirements for decentralized trials, the recruitment process continues to be more streamlined, efficient, and fast. Mainly because artificial intelligence is responsible for filtering potential candidates as per the set rules and guidelines of the clinical trial.