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Trial Delivery Models

Trial Delivery Models

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Choosing the Right Trial Delivery Model:

Site-based vs Hybrid vs Decentralized

Clinical trials are no longer one-size-fits-all. The right delivery model depends on protocol complexity, patient population, and operational goals. mdgroup supports all three approaches, helping you design a model that balances scientific rigor with patient experience.

Site-based Hybrid Decentralized (DCT)
Primary location of care Clinical research site Combination of site and home Patient’s home / local setting
Site involvement High – all visits conducted on-site High for key visits, reduced for routine care Minimal to none (as required by protocol)
Patient travel burden Minimal to none (as required by protocol) Moderate Low
Flexibility for patients Limited High Very High
Operational complexity Lower Moderate Higher without the right partner
Best suited for Early-phase, complex or specialist studies Long-duration or mixed-complexity trials Rare disease, dispersed or mobility-limited populations

How mdgroup supports each model:

Site-based / On-site trials

Site-based trials

Strengthening traditional delivery through patient-first support

  • Patient travel, accommodation & relocation
  • Patient payments & reimbursements
  • 24/7 patient support services
  • Patient engagement & retention support
  • Site-friendly logistics coordination

Outcome:

Improved attendance, higher retention, and reduced site burden, without changing the protocol.

Decentralized trials (DCTs)

Decentralized trials (DCTs)

Delivering research directly to patients

  • In-home clinical procedures & assessments
  • End-to-end patient care coordination
  • 24/7 human-led patient support
  • Travel support for occasional site or hub visits
  • Patient-friendly payment solutions

Outcome:

Broader access, improved inclusion, and higher completion rates, at scale.

HYBRID TRIALS

Hybrid Trials

Balancing site oversight with flexibility

  • In-home clinical trial procedures & monitoring
  • Remote patient support between visits
  • Travel and logistics for essential site visits
  • Patient payments across home and site activities
  • Protocol-aligned, flexible service design

Outcome:

Reduced patient burden, stronger adherence, and a more resilient trial model.

What stays consistent across every model

No matter the delivery approach, mdgroup provides:

  • Patient-first design grounded in real-world needs
  • Human-led care, supported by digital coordination
  • Flexible, modular services tailored to each protocol
  • Global reach with consistent quality
  • A trusted partner mindset, solution-oriented and agile

Designing the right model for your study.

The most successful trials don’t default to a single model, they choose the right mix for patients, sites, and outcomes.

Talk to us about designing a site-based, hybrid, or decentralized approach that works for your protocol and your patients.