The Crucial Role Of Mobile Visits In A DCT For Interstitial Lung Disease

Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are revolutionizing patient participation by bringing clinical research directly to participants' homes through mobile research nurses. In a recent panel discussion, experts, including Dr. Rohit Aggarwal, Principal Investigator of the Myositis Interstitial Lung Disease Nintedanib Trial (MINT), shared their experiences with this innovative approach. Mobile visits, a key component of DCTs, have proven highly effective in reducing participant burden, enhancing recruitment, and improving retention, especially in rare disease studies like MINT. These visits allow nurses to conduct study protocols, such as dosing and data collection, in patients' homes, providing convenience and eliminating geographical barriers.

The Myositis Interstitial Lung Disease Nintedanib Trial (MINT) trial highlights how mobile visits, combined with telemedicine, smart devices, and continuous monitoring, expanded access to a diverse patient population across the U.S. Experts emphasized the importance of flexibility, communication, and participant-centered care in ensuring the success of mobile visits. This approach not only improves trial efficiency but also creates a positive, supportive experience for participants, offering a promising future for decentralized trials.