Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCT)

In a centralized trial, the patient participates in a limited number of face-to-face appointments with the clinician at a healthcare facility. In a DCT, the patient interacts with the clinician and submits information remotely and fluidly without a physical appointment.

• Is Pharma Ready to Embrace Virtual Trials? (PDF)

In a centralized trial, data is manually collected during the in-person appointment at a single point in time; however in a DCT, large amounts of data are collected at multiple points in time, revealing previously unknown relationships in data.

In a centralized trial, patient data is captured and entered into different systems multiple times and processes are repeated, creating redundancy. In a DCT, patient data flows automatically into a central platform where it is available as needed across all processes.

• Top 5 Challenges in DCT and How to Overcome Them (PDF)

In a centralized trial, data is entered by the clinician manually or captured on paper in multiple places, introducing a greater chance for inaccuracy. Wearables and sensors used in a DCT can capture data directly from the patient, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors.

• Addressing Roadblocks in Decentralized Trials

In a centralized trial, patient data is captured at set moments during in-person patient visits in a clinical environment. In a DCT, patient data is remotely collected “as it happens,” allowing patients to be studied in an unobtrusive manner in real-life situations.

• Three Necessary Steps When Designing Your New World Protocol (PDF)