Many of the DCT solutions that have been developed over the last few years – in particular since the advent of Covid – are based on some kind of technology application. For example, wearable tech to monitor various bio measures – in the manner of an Apple Watch monitoring your pulse – or other digital-based technologies.

Electronic consent forms are also usually classed as DCT – though they will quite often be completed at a research site anyway.

Direct delivery of the investigational product to a trial participant’s home, or a home visit by a trial nurse are also considered to be DCT solutions.

As are such things as video calls – which we’ve obviously all become more familiar with. And the use of local health care facilities for carrying out some of the necessary trial activities – such as at your local primary care provider, or through a mobile research site being located nearby.