DIA 2020 Global Annual Meeting

The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating adoption of new technology and advanced analytics to mitigate delays in clinical research. Virtual and hybrid trial designs are ideal for improving patient enrollment and retention by reducing or eliminating the need for site visits. Approaches like direct-to-patient drug supply, remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, modeling for missing data, and more integrated and personalized patient communication can keep clinical research moving forward despite slowdowns to traditional site-based research caused by stay-at-home orders and social distancing. In addition, augmented trial methodologies lead to increased trial outcomes, enable real-time decisions around safety and help prevent risks of supply shortage. Machine learning and AI, supported by the Internet of Medical Things, enable this innovation in trial design by keeping researchers connected to patients and their data.