The Future of Clinical Trials: A Patient-First Approach

The way clinical trials are conducted is changing. More and more, the focus is on making them easier for patients to take part in. This shift is happening because of something called decentralized clinical trials or DCTs. These trials use modern technology to bring the clinical trial experience to the patient, rather than the other way around. In 2021, a major step was taken to make this a reality. A new project was launched. The goal was to blend the views of patients with cutting-edge technology. This project was all about making the clinical trial process better for those involved. It was called the Digital innovAtion for patieNt Centric hEalth or DANCE for short. The aim was to improve the journey for patients participating in clinical trials. The project looked at how DCTs could work for people with respiratory or rare diseases. These are conditions that can make it hard for patients to travel or spend long periods at a trial site. The project team spoke to patients and healthcare professionals in the USA and Europe. They wanted to understand the challenges and find ways to overcome them. One of the key benefits of DCTs is that they can increase the number of people who can take part in clinical trials. This is important because it means that the results of the trials can be more widely applicable. It also means that more people can benefit from the potential treatments being tested. However, there are also challenges to consider. For instance, not all patients may have access to the technology required for DCTs. This could potentially exclude some patients from participating. Additionally, there are concerns about data privacy and security. As trials become more digital, it is crucial to ensure that patient data is protected. The DANCE project is just one example of how the clinical trial landscape is evolving. It shows that there is a growing recognition of the need to put patients at the center of the trial process. By doing so, it is hoped that more people will be able to take part in clinical trials, leading to better outcomes for all. The future of clinical trials is looking more patient-centric. With the help of technology, it is becoming easier for patients to participate in trials. This is a positive step forward, but it is also important to address the challenges that come with this shift.

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