>> The report is part of Medidata's ongoing efforts to better understand the evolution of technology use in clinical research and the needs of sponsors, partners and patients. The outbreak of the pandemic would have brought with it a host of challenges for clinical trials; Likewise, companies and test centers that carry out clinical studies were forced to use technologies to continue their research
to be used wherever possible. With these experiences, says Medidata, “the industry now emerges stronger and with an increasingly technology-focused approach that benefits it and, more importantly, patients.”
“Our new research shows the resilience of the industry, how it has applied its lessons from the pandemic and how it is leveraging technology to benefit patients,” said Pete Buckman, EMEA Site Leader and Senior Vice President of Professional Services at Medidata. “At Medidata, we have seen a true transformation in the way clinical trials are conducted, and we look forward to seeing even more innovation and advancement.” As the industry continues to challenge current processes, invest in new technologies, and If she worked together with everyone involved, she could further improve the methods for clinical development and thus the results. Buckman continued: “The future of clinical trials and drug development is very promising.”
Key findings from the research, conducted by independent research firm Vanson Bourne and sponsored by Medidata, include:
• Clinical trial processes have changed – for the better. Organizations have had to adapt quickly to continue their work as the pandemic spread. These changes have improved clinical trials.
• More than a third of respondents (37%) cited better quality clinical trial results since the pandemic as one of the three most important advances. 36% report that recruitment and enrollment into trials, as well as patient experiences, have also improved.
• 99.7% of respondents believe that all or some improvements to the clinical trial process resulting from the pandemic will be permanent.
• The demand for decentralized solutions continues to increase. Decentralization and patient-centered practice are core elements of change, and organizations expect the new solutions to become increasingly common.
• Respondents note that the average number of studies using at least one decentralized technology has increased from 43% before the pandemic to 55% currently, and the projected average in five years will be 66%.
• Key benefits of a decentralized approach (DCT approach) include tighter compliance and governance (42%), improved patient recruitment and retention (41%), and more positive patient experiences and engagement (41%).
• Clinical trials will increasingly rely on technological solutions. From big data and increasing computing power to wearable technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), organizations are adopting new innovative tools and solutions – and they are here to stay.
• 92% of respondents said that clinical trials in their country always or often rely on technological solutions.
• When asked which technology holds the most promise for the future of clinical research, more than a third of respondents (36%) cited AI as one of the top three options.
• Patient-centered approach continues to be an important focus. Patients are at the heart of clinical research and there is increasing recognition that trials must be focused on them.
• The majority of respondents (92%) believe that post-pandemic clinical trials are more patient-focused than ever before.
• When asked about the most important industry trends in the next five years, patient orientation was the top priority - 42% of respondents named this as one of the three most important trends. <<
by: MVF editor-in-chief Peter Stegmaier

Abb. 2: Question: To what extent has the pandemic negatively affected the operation of clinical trials in your company or with your customers? [N=400], divided by country, with some answer options omitted. Almost all respondents (99%) reported that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their ability to conduct studies. Only a small proportion of participants surveyed (6%) felt that their organizations were only slightly or not affected at all. Throughout the pandemic, organizations struggled to operate normally. Due to lockdowns, the risk of infection and overwhelmed healthcare providers, patients were unable to get to the clinics. Likewise, resources were stretched as the industry focused on vaccines and treatments for the pandemic. This forced companies to review their clinical trial processes and transition to or virtual trials, adopt wearable technologies and other innovations to advance clinical research and the development of new drugs and treatments. Most respondents (98%) see improvements in their clinical trial processes due to the pandemic. While 35% of Germans are likely to be fully affected, they also report the greatest improvements in clinical trial procedures, with more than two thirds (68%) saying there is significant progress. 85% of respondents across all regions said their operations were fully impacted by the pandemic. This highlights that the pandemic has motivated organizations to adapt their clinical trial processes – for the better. Source: European Industry Research Report: The Future of Clinical Trials (Medidata 2022).