As APAC continues to embrace digital innovation, hybrid decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are emerging as a practical and scalable model for broadening patient access. In a new article for BioSpectrum Asia, Ping-Chung Chang, Head of Business Transformation and China General Manager at Phastar, explores how AI-enabled data processes, real-world data growth, and improved digital infrastructures are reshaping clinical research across the region.
”Research has found that patients and sponsors in APAC see the benefits of virtual and hybrid trials; almost 9 in 10 patients think DCTs are acceptable in China. However, concerns persist around regulatory gaps, digital divide, data collection quality and study logistics. For example, eConsent is not necessarily feasible in all APAC countries, adoption of technology can be uneven in cross patient populations and home nursing is not always viable. There are also challenges around data collections that require constant internet connection and difficulties managing tele-patient visits. ”