Medidata publishes research report about the future of clinical trials
Medidata has announced the publication of a report titled, ‘European Industry Research Report: The Future of Clinical Trials’. The report draws on new independent research that includes insights from 400 clinical trial executives across the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Switzerland.
They were surveyed to gain a deeper understanding of how clinical trials have changed over the past two years, including the increased adoption of new technologies, and what the future holds. This report is part of ongoing efforts at Medidata to understand the evolution of technology usage in clinical research and the needs of sponsors, partners and patients.
When the pandemic struck, it brought a plethora of challenges for clinical trials and, as a result, companies and sites conducting clinical trials were forced to look at leveraging technology wherever possible to support the continuation of research. With these learnings, the industry is now emerging stronger than ever with a more technology-driven approach that will benefit the industry and, more importantly, the patients it depends on.
Key findings from the research include:
- Clinical trial processes have changed - and for the better. Organisations had to adapt quickly to continue their operations as the pandemic spread. These changes have improved clinical trials. More than a third of respondents (37%) rank better outcomes of clinical trials since the pandemic as within the top three areas of improvement, and 36% say recruitment and enrollment into trials were also better, as well as better patient experiences. 99.7% of respondents believe that all or some or some improvements to the clinical trial process as a result of the pandemic are here to stay.
- Demand for decentralised solutions continues to rise. Decentralisation and patient-centric practices have been core elements of change and organisations anticipate these solutions will become increasingly widespread. Respondents note that the average number of studies including at least one decentralised technology before the pandemic was 43%, the current average is 55% and the predicted average in five years is 66%. The critical benefits of leveraging a DCT approach include better compliance and governance adherence (42%), improved patient recruitment and retention (41%), and improved patient experience and engagement (41%).
- Clinical trials will become more reliant on technological solutions. From big data and growing computer power to wearable technology and artificial intelligence (AI), organisations are adopting new innovative tools and solutions – and they are here to stay. 92% of those surveyed say clinical trials in their country always or frequently rely on technology. When asked what technology holds the most promise in the future of clinical research, more than a third of respondents (36%) point to AI as one of the top three choices.
- Patient centricity continues to be a key focus. Patients are central to clinical research and there is greater recognition that trials need to be designed around them. The majority of respondents (92%) believe clinical trials are more patient-centric than ever following the pandemic. When asked about the key industry trends over the next five years, patient centricity came out on top, with 42% of respondents ranking this area within the top three key trends.
“Our new research shows the resilience of the industry, how it implemented its learnings from the pandemic and how it is embracing technology for the benefit of patients,” said Pete Buckman, EMEA site leader and senior vice president of Professional Services at Medidata. “At Medidata, we have seen real change in the way clinical trials are approached and we are excited to see even more innovation and progress. By continuing to challenge current models, investing in new technologies and collaborating across all stakeholders, the industry can further improve clinical trial processes and, in turn, the outcomes. The future of clinical trials and drug development looks bright.”