What is a decentralised clinical trial (DCT)?

A decentralised clinical trial shifts activities away from traditional research sites towards participants’ homes and local settings, using digital tools including remote eConsent platforms, wearable sensors for endpoint collection, electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs), video consultations for virtual study visits, and direct-to-patient drug delivery. Benefits include improved recruitment diversity, reduced participant burden, and lower attrition. Most trials adopt hybrid models combining site-based and remote elements.