Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) provide the opportunity to bring interventional studies closer to participants in their homes or a suitable location closer to prospective participants, thus increasing participants' diversity, accrual, retention, health care, and research access.
There is growing push by global regulatory bodies to make clinical trials more efficient in terms of time and cost; and generate more inclusive data across all populations and social groups. There is a need for inclusion and representation of patient populations living in hard to reach areas, immobile patients, marginalized groups and key populations.
Technology , logistics and internet access are key enablers to conduct DCTs.
Kenya internet users stand at 40.8% and growing exponentially. This is coupled with the availability of digital cabs, on line drug stores, home samples collection capabilities already among existing clinical laboratory and parcel services.
The Office of Data Protection Commissioner in Kenya has developed guidelines for collection, processing and storage personal data. This offers an opportunity to assure the patients confidentiality and data protection in DCTs; and minimize risk of data breaches.