Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) continue to gain momentum as sponsors look to reduce participant burden, improve diversity, and expand access to research. But with the benefits of remote participation come new statistical and operational challenges that must be addressed early in trial planning.
A new article published in Clinical Research News explores key considerations for designing and analyzing DCTs, from mitigating variability introduced through remote procedures to addressing the complexities of randomization, missing data, and digital endpoints. It also examines how decentralized models influence data availability, interim forecasting, and participant retention, as well as the importance of capturing demographic data to assess whether DCTs truly enhance outreach and representation.