How To Make Your Clinical Trial Protocol More IRT/RTSM Friendly?

Protocol design and RTSM configuration often evolve in parallel, yet they don’t always speak the same language. In this clip, Iain Little — IRT Practice Lead at Tenthpin and former Team Head of IRT Management at Novartis — explores how small adjustments in protocol structure can dramatically improve the efficiency and reliability of RTSM builds.

He challenges the assumption that innovation must equal complexity. Instead, he suggests that making processes “dull and repeatable” can be the smartest, most forward‑thinking move a study team can make. Clearly defined visit patterns, predictable dosing logic, and consistent operational rules reduce ambiguity, prevent unnecessary rework, and ultimately create a smoother path from activation through study closeout.

The discussion offers a practical reminder: RTSM systems perform best when they’re supporting well‑structured study mechanics—not compensating for preventable gaps in protocol design. For teams planning new trials or refining their development approach, this perspective highlights how early alignment can reduce downstream friction and strengthen overall trial execution.