Reaching the potential of DCTs

Remote monitoring is a pivotal technology that breaks new ground in decentralised clinical trials – improving diversity, resource-efficiency and quality of clinical research. But five common remote monitoring challenges are holding back the pharmaceutical industry. Here’s how your company can overcome them.

Hurdle #1: Manual data collection

Self-reporting is a common pitfall in the remote research space. Trial results should not depend on the participants’ commitment and competence or on technology like private devices and WI-FI connections. Typically, self-reporting leads to irregular, unreliable or late reporting. To avoid this pitfall, automate data collection as much as possible. 

For this to work best, you’ll need remote monitoring devices that are always connected – indoors and outdoors – that can measure digital biomarkers using wearable sensors and simplify ePRO collection. That way participant data is always available without requiring effort from the participant.

Hurdle #2: Data security

Another challenge often faced by researchers is how to protect the trial participants’ data. A company using off-the-shelf consumer wearables never fully controls the data it gathers, and data may be sent unencrypted to external company servers controlled by the manufacturer or vendor of the device. To protect the trust your participants place in your business, make sure your remote monitoring technology uses end-to-end encryption of trial application data.

Hurdle #3: Simplicity for participants

Giving participants remote monitoring devices can lead to a lot of confusion if the technology is difficult to use. For example, many methods of remote data collection require companion technology such as smartphones or tablets, which complicates the set-up for participants. They may face issues around WI-FI access, connection or even data subscription fees. Instead, look to remove complexity for participants wherever possible, such as with standalone devices that connect directly. 

Hurdle #4: Real-time data

A significant time lag between the clinical measure and its availability to researchers can lead to needless complications. If any settings in the data collection process are incorrect, you may notice too late. Or, if there are any noticeable adverse results in the study group, you can’t provide a prompt warning. Data communication that is as close to real-time as possible means faster reactions and better results.

Hurdle #5: Adherence

Around 40% of people feel that one of the biggest challenges is remembering to take medications during treatment. This was indicated by our 2022 survey of over 2,000 U.S. consumers living with chronic health conditions. Adherence is a constant problem in clinical trials too. In decentralised clinical trials, failure to adhere to trial protocols not only wastes time and money but also threatens the validity of the whole study. To avoid this pitfall, choose remote monitoring technology that makes it easy to boost adherence. 

Remote monitoring success

By strategically tackling key challenges with remote monitoring, your clinical research can start to reap the full benefits of decentralised and hybrid trial methodologies.

Want to know more about using wearables for remote monitoring in clinical trials? Learn about the opportunities and pitfalls in our industry white paper "Navigating wearables for DCTs."