The Financial Barriers To Decentralized Clinical Trials

The clinical research industry has seen a steady rise in study decentralization and incorporation of technology. In 2020, this trend was expedited out of necessity due to COVID-19. Although some trials came to a halt; many were able to continue in a decentralized or even fully remote environment. This response proved successful as a result of timely collaboration between Sponsors, CROs, solution providers and research sites. This ensured that trials could stay on track with tactics such as virtual visits, remote data capture and reimbursements, transportation of medical personnel and equipment, medication directly to participant homes and more.

While technology has certainly had a positive impact on clinical research, especially over the past year and a half, sites have felt the burden of an accelerated and decentralized trial landscape. While this burden was felt administratively, it was also felt financially, leading sites that may have already been in a financially precarious position to face additional expenses.