What Are Decentralized Clinical Trials?
Decentralized clinical trials allow participants to take part in a research study without needing to visit a physical research site as frequently - or in some cases, at all.
Instead of having patients travel to a hospital or clinic, decentralized trials use digital tools like telemedicine, mobile health apps, and home-based testing to bring the trial to the participant.
How Do Decentralized Clinical Trials Differ from Traditional Trials?
Traditional clinical trials require participants to attend study visits at a designated research site, often located in a hospital or a specialized clinic. This means that location plays a significant role in whether someone can participate.
In contrast, decentralized clinical trials reduce or eliminate the need for in-person visits by using digital tools, home visits from healthcare professionals, or delivering medication directly to the patient.
This makes clinical research more accessible to people who might otherwise be unable to participate due to distance, mobility issues, or scheduling conflicts.
What Makes a Clinical Trial Decentralized?
Decentralized clinical trials incorporate some of the following key components:
- Telemedicine – Virtual consultations with study doctors and nurses instead of in-person visits.
- Home Visits – Study professionals coming directly to the participant’s home for check-ups, sample collection, or medication administration.
- Wearables and Remote Monitoring – Devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, or mobile health apps to collect real-time data.
- Direct-to-Patient Drug Delivery – Medications and study materials are shipped directly to the patient which removes the need for frequent site visits.
- Digital Data Collection – Online surveys, smartphone apps, and other tools to track symptoms and report progress.
The Growth of Decentralized Trials
Today, decentralized trials are becoming more common globally:
- 9% of all clinical trials in the US are decentralized.
- 14% of clinical trials in the UK use a decentralized trial model.
- A 2021 WCG survey found that 94% of research sites had adopted at least one decentralized method, with 88% hosting hybrid trials that combine remote and in-person visits.
What Are the Benefits of Decentralized Clinical Trials?
Decentralized clinical trials offer several advantages, particularly for participants:
- More convenient participation – No need to rearrange schedules to travel to a research site every time.
- Reduced transportation burden – Ideal for people who live far away from study locations.
- Minimized stress and exhaustion – Travel can be physically and emotionally draining, especially for those with chronic conditions.
- Greater flexibility – Participants can complete many trial-related tasks from the comfort of their own homes which often leads to improved patient retention.
- Larger and more diverse participant pool – Trials can recruit patients from a much broader geographic area, improving the study’s overall inclusivity and data quality.
The Rise of Decentralized Clinical Trials
Decentralized clinical trials are transforming the way medical research is conducted, allowing participants to take part from the comfort of their own homes. While this approach has gained traction in recent years, its origins date back more than a decade.
In 2011, Pfizer conducted the first-ever virtual clinical trial and paved the way for a new era in clinical research. However, it was not until the covid-19 pandemic that decentralized trials became essential. With strict restrictions on in-person interactions, researchers needed innovative ways to continue their studies.
How Technology has Changed the Clinical Trial Landscape
The post-pandemic world has seen a surge in trust toward digital healthcare tools, normalizing decentralized clinical trials. Society has become more digital, with increasing acceptance of telehealth and remote services. These are some of the key advances in technology have further accelerated this shift:
- Wearable devices and digital health platforms enable easy and reliable remote data collection.
- Video consultations and telehealth platforms have enabled patients to interact with healthcare providers remotely
- Improved digital infrastructure allows researchers to monitor participants remotely with greater accuracy.
- Electronic informed consent (eConsent) allows participants to read and sign trial consent forms digitally.
Where Can You Find Decentralized Clinical Trial Opportunities?
While decentralized clinical trials are growing in popularity, they still make up a small percentage of all clinical studies. Many medical conditions require in-person testing and the use of advanced medical equipment that cannot be replicated in a home setting.
However, more pharmaceutical companies and research organizations are adopting decentralized methods, making it easier for patients to find remote-friendly trials.
If you’re interested in joining a decentralized clinical trial, check websites like:
- ClinicalTrials.gov – A comprehensive database of trials, though it does not currently have a filter for decentralized clinical trials. Narrow down the trial criteria based on the trial you are interested in participating in. After that, look out for words such as remote monitoring, telemedicine, virtual visits, home visits ect.
As this clinical trial trend continues to evolve, decentralized clinical trials are expected to become even more common, making participation more accessible for patients worldwide.
