Decentralized clinical trials benefit the healthcare industry in a number of different ways. eSource ecosystems like Clinical Ink, for example, use data streams and workflows to provide an optimal clinical trial process for both patients and caregivers.
By streamlining all processes via digital technologies and cloud-sharing services, decentralized clinical trials are transforming the entire industry for the better. They are a fairly new development in the medical field, but early results are proving that decentralization is the best way forward in terms of a patient-centric approach.
Definition derby
For the most part, decentralized trials are defined by two things; the aforementioned patient-centric approach, and the deployment of a wide range of digital technologies. In essence, any tech-aided trial that puts the patient’s needs first is technically a decentralized trial.
The main difference between a traditional trial and a decentralized one is patient requirements. Whereas a traditional trial typically requires that patients make regular visits to a ‘central’ facility, a decentralized trial brings as many services as possible directly to the patient.
Decentralized trials use digital technology to achieve remote service efficiency. From social media platforms to artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA) to machine learning algorithms, remote services allow patients to participate in trials without needing to leave their homes.
Thanks to mobile technology, in particular, decentralized trials are easy to set up, monitor, and analyze. As we mentioned earlier, there are a number of benefits to decentralized trials. The majority of these benefits are covered briefly below, under general headings categorized by the unique benefits they provide.
Fewer clinic visits
Taking the burden of action away from the patient alleviates many of the problems faced by traditional trials, such as low patient attendance, lack of patient retention, and low sample sizes. By bringing services to the consumer through the use of patient-facing technologies, decentralized clinical trials have been shown to improve attendance and retention significantly.
New technologies require certification from regulatory authorities, such as the FDA, which is why hybrid trials are favored as the most likely form of decentralized trial implementation. Hybrid trials strike a balance between regulatory requirements and technological innovation, making it easier for companies to adopt these new strategies.
Cost-effective services
Although the initial investment can seem a bit steep, decentralized trials offer high returns on investment in the long run. Reducing patient and healthcare staff interactivity means fewer maintenance costs. Fewer patients visiting facilities means lower operating costs. Telehealth services require far less hardware than on-site assets, and no matter which way you look at it, decentralized trials are as cost-effective as they are innovative.
It’s important to note that many companies face challenges when trying to implement decentralized technologies. Implementation usually requires significant monetary investment in terms of digital requirements, along with the hiring of skilled staff that can monitor and maintain said requirements.
Holistic management
Being able to manage a vast network of patients, staff, and services is vital to the efficiency of any decentralized trial. Luckily for the healthcare industry, many remote service technologies, such as health monitoring apps, for instance, have built-in management tools that allow for live data monitoring, instant communication, and instant feedback.
Through cloud-based management services, companies can remain in control of any network, being able to notice the slightest changes in data at a moment’s notice. Machine learning algorithms make sifting through data much less labor-intensive, and artificial intelligence can ensure that all trials are running at maximum efficiency.
Patient and caregiver relief
By bringing healthcare services directly to patients, decentralized trials offer access to a wider range of patients, such as those with mobility issues, for example. They reduce a lot of the stress placed on healthcare services and ensure that all patients receive the same level of care.
Decentralized trials also have the option of providing additional data collection points, allowing for greater knowledge of a patient’s medical status. By knowing more about their patients, healthcare services can render aid much more efficiently, without the need for frequent hospital visits or constant check-ups.
Conclusion
Without going into too much detail, there are still several obstacles to overcome before the worldwide adoption of decentralized trials can become a reality. Whether it’s lack of access to technology, regulatory requirements, or a shortage of funds, the world’s healthcare industry has a long way to go, which is why, according to most healthcare experts, hybrid trials are most likely the best solution at this point in time.
