Decentralised trials... without the hassle? 

Poor adherence deteriorates data quality, extends timelines, demands larger sample sizes, increases safety risks and can contribute to trial failure. And in decentralised or hybrid trials, these challenges are only compounded. It can become even more difficult to monitor appropriate medication and participant protocol.

Here are 3 ways to change the narrative.

1. Zero-effort technology

If you have remote monitoring devices in your clinical trial, assess how user-friendly they are. User-friendliness is one major remote monitoring hurdle for many trials. Participants often struggle to set up and use the technology correctly, particularly when the device is new to them or you are dealing with a wide range of levels of technological literacy. 

Most devices today require the user to connect with a companion smartphone or tablet. There may be issues around WI-FI access and data packages. Technical hurdles increase the risk of non-adherence. But with effortless technology that requires the absolute minimum from participants and staff, you make adherence more likely than ever.

2. Reminders and notifications

In our 2022 survey of over 2,000 U.S. consumers living with chronic health conditions, 40% of participants indicated that one of their biggest challenges with managing their condition was simply remembering to take medications during treatment. Clinical trial participants are just as prone to forgetfulness. In a remote trial, it is easy to make mistakes. Participants are asked to follow protocol or take medications at specific times or under specific conditions – such as on waking up or after a meal. To avoid nonadherence due to forgetfulness, send simple reminders and receive confirmations from participants in a non-intrusive way.

3. Real-time data

Participants in traditional-style clinical trials typically log their response to therapies and relay this information to trial coordinators on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. Not surprisingly, volunteers sometimes forget to note their responses at the time, and then fail to recall them accurately when questioned later. 

For these reasons, self-reporting is notoriously unreliable, impacts adherence and limits the conclusions that can be drawn from the study. To get the right information in a timely manner, consider data capture using wearable sensors with real-time health monitoring capabilities. That way, researchers have instant access to results and participants only have to wear a device. 

Simplify participant adherence 

By focusing on these three strategies, your remote clinical trials can get on the path to higher adherence and better results.

Want to monitor and improve adherence with wearables for clinical trials? Then it's important to understand the landscape today. Dive into the world of wearables for remote monitoring in clinical trials with the industry white paper "Navigating wearables for DCTs," and learn about the opportunities and pitfalls.