Hygeia Group is thrilled to share highlights from our recent collaboration with Clinical Trials Ontario at the workshop focusing on the Participant Experience Toolkit!
Hygeia Group had the privilege of contributing to discussions that are shaping the future of decentralized and hybrid clinical trials (DCTs/HCTs) in Canada.
The session highlighted CTO’s groundbreaking study, revealing:
– 79% of participants prefer flexible visit options.
– 88% identified “easier participation” as a key benefit of DCTs/HCTs, along with flexibility (75%) and reduced time/costs (56%).
– Major concerns included managing adverse events remotely (64%) and data privacy (43%).
– 91% believe DCTs/HCTs enhance accessibility, particularly for rural/underserved communities.
Strategies to Maximize the Impact of DCTs/HCTs:
1. Flexible Participation Models:
– Responding to the 79% demand for visit options by implementing hybrid designs (e.g., satellite sites + telehealth) to enhance enrollment/retention.
2. Safety & Communication Infrastructure:
– Addressing 64% of safety concerns by providing dedicated coordinators and 24/7 support (ranked as the top need).
3. Travel & Accessibility Solutions:
– Meeting the preference for ≤1-hour travel by utilizing local labs/home services for routine tests (supported by 72%).
4. Tech-Enabled Consent & Data Collection:
– Embracing e-consent (accepted by 80%) and focusing on user-friendly tools (e.g., apps with clear instructions).
By focusing on these areas, researchers can:
✅ Enhance equity (85% recognize DCTs as improving diversity).
✅ Reduce dropout rates.
✅ Efficiently scale trials.
A big thank you to Clinical Trials Ontario and the College of Lived Experience for championing patient voices! Let’s keep pushing to bring trials to the people.