The True ROI Of Decentralized Clinical Trials

As clinical development grows increasingly complex and cost-sensitive, conversations about decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are shifting from innovation to impact — specifically, financial return on investment. Industry leaders, including Ken Getz of Tufts CSDD, have emphasized that ROI is the language that resonates with the C-suite, regardless of company size. In an era marked by economic pressures, risk aversion, and limited budgets, DCTs must demonstrate measurable value to gain organizational buy-in.

This article explores how decentralized trial elements, ranging from in-home visits to digital tools, can deliver quantifiable benefits when applied thoughtfully and early in study planning. It also examines why adoption has lagged despite strong pandemic-era proof points, highlighting barriers such as regulatory uncertainty, perceived costs, and inexperience with hybrid or remote models. Through data-driven insights, including findings from Tufts CSDD and MRN’s own financial models, the piece illustrates how tailored DCT strategies can shorten timelines, reduce attrition, and ultimately strengthen a study’s financial profile.

Far from a one-size-fits-all solution, DCT success hinges on customization, collaboration, and a clear framework for measuring outcomes — laying the groundwork for smarter, more efficient trial execution.