Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) recently gained attention in research necessary for drug development. While the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a challenging time in this arena, drug development was a critical area of emphasis in the rapid advancement of vaccines. The DCTs were necessary to allow research activities to occur across many locations. The use of DCTs can profoundly impact reshaping healthcare by enabling participants to partake in clinical trials remotely; however, implementation challenges must be considered as technology expands. A working group of participants was assembled during an interactive learning exercise at the Conv2X conference (2023) to explore challenges related to the diffusion of innovation among key stakeholders. Pain points experienced with using and implementing technologies were identified, and an innovative solution using a blockchain-anchored option was presented. Participants were divided into three stakeholder groups: patients, payers, and pharmaceutical sponsors. After a time of discussion, the groups reconvened for review. Several themes that can be supported by blockchain technology emerged. These include enhanced efficiencies, patient experience, and demographic diversity, as well as data integrity, privacy, security, and cost-effectiveness. Future research might focus on strategies to facilitate the adoption of the idea across key stakeholder groups.
Keyphrases
- clinical trial
- healthcare
- phase ii
- end stage renal disease
- newly diagnosed
- ejection fraction
- public health
- electronic health record
- big data
- primary care
- open label
- chronic pain
- double blind
- prognostic factors
- peritoneal dialysis
- phase iii
- physical activity
- working memory
- quality improvement
- pain management
- health information
- randomized controlled trial
- machine learning
- social media
- patient reported outcomes
- artificial intelligence
- loop mediated isothermal amplification
- patient reported