What Are Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs)?

Clinical trials are a crucial aspect of modern healthcare. ClinicalTrials.gov  shares that “In a clinical trial, participants receive specific interventions according to the research plan or protocol created by the investigators. These interventions may be medical products, such as drugs or devices; procedures; or changes to participants' behavior, such as diet.”

Traditionally these clinical trials would take place in prestigious medical research centers and participating patients would travel to and from these research centers to receive the treatment. Although this model has led to FDA approvals in the past, it often aggressively limits the type of patients that can participate. If people want to participate in traditional clinical trials, they likely have to live within a reasonable distance from the participating research center, be capable of traveling to and from the research center or have a patient-partner who is able to assist them. Furthermore, the type of travel and time commitments associated with traditional trials can require time away from work, finding child care, and extended periods spent away from home.