Beyond The App: Bringing Clinical Research To The Patient Using In-Home Patient-Centric Technology

By Erica Smith, Spencer Health Solutions

In the realm of clinical trials, patient retention poses a significant challenge amidst rising costs and decreasing success rates in drug development. With dropout rates exceeding 30% in pivotal phase 3 trials and nearly 85% of trials failing to retain enough patients, the financial implications for drug developers are daunting. However, there's hope on the horizon through the transformative potential of in-home medication-dispensing smart hubs. These devices not only align with FDA regulations but also have the power to revolutionize patient engagement in clinical research.

By reducing the burden of trial participation and consistently engaging patients in their home environments, these smart hubs offer a promising solution to long-term patient retention. Unlike mobile apps, which often falter in maintaining patient engagement over time, device-based engagement boasts impressive results, with reported daily medication adherence rates as high as 98% over six months. Moreover, this technology enhances trial accessibility, particularly for underrepresented populations, thereby promoting health equity.

Embracing in-home technology represents a significant step forward in clinical trial design and execution. It aligns with regulatory initiatives aimed at incorporating patient voice data and improving trial diversity, while also addressing the fundamental challenge of patient retention. By fostering daily interactions between patients and technology, these smart hubs offer a sustainable approach to ensuring the success and integrity of clinical trials in an evolving landscape of drug development.