Decentralized Clinical Trials: Potentials for Equity in Digital Health

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2023 Jun 22:304:91-95. doi: 10.3233/SHTI230378.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly increased the possibilities for conducting Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCT). This paper addresses the potential for conducting DCT in Denmark and discusses how this potential can improve equity in digital healthcare. From stakeholder interviews, we learned that DCT has the potential to be implemented, as DCT guidelines are in place in Denmark. DCT can potentially improve equal access and inclusion of diverse populations, home administration of medication, retention and compliance, and monitoring of patients and side effects. While DCT has potential in a Danish context, the challenges regarding DCT need to be considered carefully, particularly concerning equity in digital health.

Keywords: decentralized clinical trials; digital health; equity.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Health Equity*
  • Health Facilities
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Pandemics