Last week we attended the Decentralised Clinical Trials hybrid event in Boston, organised by Informa Connect.
During the event, our Director of Decentralised Clinical Solutions, Tom Brazier, gave a talk on the topic “Maximising the Potential of Mobile Health: Are the possibilities endless?” He discussed:
- The possibilities of generating robust data safely from the home
- How trial organisers can choose the right solution for home visits
- Promoting inclusivity through flexible locations
- Lessons we have learnt from organising mobile health visits and where to draw the line
In addition to Tom’s talk, we enjoyed learning from the other guest speakers and had some interesting in-depth discussions with inspirational experts in decentralised clinical trials.
For anyone who couldn’t attend, here are our top takeaways from the event.
Our top 5 takeaways from the DCT hybrid event 2023
Using decentralised solutions strategically
We’ve been advocates for patient-centric solutions for a long time and were encouraged to hear many industry leaders putting an emphasis on patient care and engagement. The consensus was clear, we must be strategic about how we introduce decentralised and hybrid elements in clinical research, and carefully decide on the right solutions depending on the needs of the patient, site, and sponsor.
Decentralised solutions can be a game changer in the industry, but only if used appropriately.
Patient choice is vital
Allowing patients to make decisions about how they interact with a trial is the best way to reduce dropouts and improve outcomes.
Giving patients options will challenge the industry to figure out how to scale choice while remaining cost-effective for sponsors. Consult patients at every possible opportunity, empowering them to share their needs and ensure we provide the options that give the best support.
Emerging data for return on investment
Data presented show the impact including decentralised elements in clinical trials can have on investments. Data published in Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science by Dimasi et al suggests that including decentralised elements can have significant ROI: “If we assume that DCT methods are applied to both phase II and phase III trials the increase in value is $20 million per drug that enters phase II, with a seven-fold ROI.”
Early data tells an interesting story. However, to add more value, these reports must become more specific by indicating the ROI of specific decentralised elements and for specific patient populations.
Collaboration is key
Silos do not work, and stakeholder collaboration must improve to ensure the success of decentralised clinical trials. The cost of poor communication and lack of collaboration is astronomical, and the patients and sites ultimately pay the price for disjointed services.
Numerous examples were shared where stakeholder alignment improves trial conduct, including recruitment companies and logistics to ensure IMP delivery within protocol window as well as mobile health and central labs to ensure alignment on sample processing and shipment activities.
The future of Decentralised Clinical Trials
We’ve been discussing the future of decentralised clinical trials a lot this year, and we were fascinated to hear insights from the wider clinical research industry.
Many attendees mentioned the importance of embracing AI to drive efficiencies. It is essential for the industry to adapt to new technologies and incorporate them in trial design and protocols.
As DCT practices become the norm, we may come to a point where ethics committees challenge clinical trials that do not include decentralised elements. Not having the option to take the trial to the patient means we risk denying patients vital and potentially lifesaving access to treatment. Decentralised and hybrid trials, when implemented strategically, can create better access leading to more diverse and equitable research.
Interested in hearing more insights about Decentralised Clinical Trials? Get in touch.
