[Roundtable Forum] Patient-Centric, Dedicated to Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCT)

On August 27, 2023, the second roundtable forum, "Exploring and Conducting Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCT)," was successfully held at the Clinical Research Institution Exhibition and Guangzhou Clinical Research Industry Fair hosted by the Guangzhou Clinical Research Association. The forum was chaired by Sun Qiangqiang, Commercial Director of Totrial Group, with participation from experts from multiple hospital institutions such as Nanyang First People's Hospital and Chongqing Steel General Hospital. In-depth discussions were held around DCT.

Decentralized clinical trials (DCT) are a new patient-centric model that breaks through traditional on-site limitations. Patients can interact remotely, and elements such as internet recruitment and remote follow-up reduce the burden of participation. Additionally, diverse data collection through wearable devices can achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

During the forum, experts focused on three major topics:

The significance of DCT: It can promote patient recruitment, improve compliance and data quality, enhance research efficiency, and reduce costs.

Data security assurance: It is necessary to protect patient information at the initial design stage, follow relevant regulations, and have complete plans and risk control for multi-party collaboration.

Decentralizable aspects: A hybrid model (partly at home, partly at the center) is often adopted. It is necessary to balance patient burden, scientificity, and data security, while also providing guidance for elderly patients on using electronic platforms.

The forum emphasized that DCT must adhere to a "patient-centric" approach, protecting patient rights and interests while providing convenience to the industry, achieving win-win results, and providing important references for industry practices.