Clinical research is evolving rapidly, with decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) playing a leading role in shaping the future. By allowing patients to participate remotely, DCTs use digital tools and flexible designs to remove traditional barriers to participation. For sponsors, CROs, and research sites, these models offer opportunities to improve recruitment, increase retention, and capture more representative data.
What are decentralized clinical trials?
A new model for research
Decentralised trials use technology to shift elements of research away from the clinic and into patients’ homes or communities. Instead of travelling to a hospital or site for every appointment, participants may engage remotely through telemedicine, home health visits, or wearable devices.
Benefits for patients
This flexibility makes participation more accessible. Patients can remain in their familiar environments, reducing travel time, disruption to daily life, and the financial strain often associated with trial visits.
Technology driving DCTs
Digital platforms and apps
Secure digital platforms allow patients to log symptoms, track progress, and communicate with trial teams in real time. User-friendly apps also give patients direct access to study information whenever they need it.
Wearables and remote monitoring
Devices such as smart watches, glucose monitors, or heart rate trackers allow researchers to gather continuous data. This improves accuracy while reducing the number of in-person site visits required.
Telemedicine consultations
Virtual appointments make it easier for patients to receive medical oversight and support without unnecessary travel. These digital interactions also help sites maintain close relationships with participants.
Benefits of decentralized models
Improved recruitment
Decentralized trials can attract larger and more diverse patient groups. Removing travel barriers allows people in rural or underserved areas to participate, while digital outreach broadens awareness of opportunities.
Increased retention
Patients are more likely to stay in studies when participation fits around their lives. Lower burden, combined with continuous support, reduces drop-out rates and improves data quality.
More representative data
Engaging wider populations ensures results reflect real-world use. This improves the relevance and impact of study findings, ultimately benefiting future patients.
Challenges to overcome
Regulatory compliance
Different countries have different rules on remote data collection, consent, and privacy. Sponsors must ensure that DCTs are designed in line with regional requirements.
Technology access and literacy
Not all patients have access to high-quality internet or are confident using digital tools. Providing training and support is essential to avoid excluding groups of patients.
Maintaining human connection
While digital tools are powerful, they cannot fully replace personal relationships. Patients still value direct support and clear communication with trained professionals.
The role of Patient Navigators in decentralized trials
Personalized patient support
Our Patient Support Center (link: /services/navigator) is designed to complement decentralized models by providing patients and caregivers with dedicated support throughout their clinical trial journey. Each participant has access to experienced Patient Navigators who can answer study-related questions, offer reassurance, and conduct secondary pre-screening on behalf of study sites. Patient Navigators are real people and not AI agents. Experienced in clinical research, they speak the local language and they know the local healthcare systems and regulatory requirements, placing them best to support patients, caregivers and their families.
Enhancing retention and engagement
Around 30% of patients drop out of trials due to inadequate support. Patient Support Center addresses this by ensuring patients feel guided and cared for at every step of the clinical trial journey. With multilingual support and global availability, it helps participants overcome barriers that might otherwise lead to withdrawal.
Reducing site burden
Decentralized trials can increase referral volumes, placing strain on site staff. Our Patient Navigators help by managing a second layer of pre-screening, ensuring only high-quality referrals reach the sites. This reduces workload while improving overall recruitment outcomes.
Looking ahead
A balanced approach
The future of clinical trial design will likely combine decentralized and traditional elements. Not every study can be run entirely remotely, but incorporating digital tools and support services creates more flexible, patient-friendly experiences.
Building patient trust
For DCTs to succeed, patients must feel confident in both the technology and the people behind it. By combining digital innovation with personalized services like Patient Support Center, sponsors and sites can deliver trials that are efficient, inclusive, and centred on patient wellbeing.