Benefits & Challenges of Virtual Clinical Trials

Virtual clinical trials, also called decentralized or site-less clinical trials, integrate modern digital health technologies involving the use of mobile devices, mobile apps, remote monitoring devices, and online social engagement platforms right from the study design phase. As a result, patients can be monitored at home, reducing or completely eliminating their need to travel. It also enables (in some cases) continuous real-time data collection instead of periodic data collection during site visits, thereby increasing the relevance and accuracy of the trial process.

The global virtual clinical trials market, which was estimated at USD 7.4 billion in 2020, is expected to grow at 5.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2021 to 2028. Increased R&D activities, healthcare digitization, and adoption of telehealth have been identified as some of the enablers of this growth.

Here’s a guide to virtual clinical trials.