Blog 3 minute read

What is a Hybrid Clinical Trial Design?

Hybrid clinical trial designs have transformed the landscape of medical research. But what exactly is a hybrid clinical trial design? In this article, we’ll delve into this innovative approach and explore its advantages.

Defining Hybrid Clinical Trial Designs

In essence, a hybrid clinical trial design combines elements from traditional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and virtual trials. By integrating these two methodologies, researchers create a more flexible and adaptable framework for evaluating new treatments and interventions.

The Benefits of Hybrid Clinical Trial Designs

Enhanced Generalizability

Traditional RCTs often struggle to represent diverse populations. However, hybrid designs address this issue by incorporating elements from virtual trials. These elements can include a range of technologies including ePRO/eCOA, Telehealth, eConsent, and more. Essentially reducing site visits and patient burden. Consequently, they produce results that apply more broadly, benefiting a wider range of patients.

Reduced Costs

Conducting clinical trials can be expensive. Hybrid designs streamline processes and can reduce costs in a number of ways. First, patient recruitment costs are reduced because hybrid designs can reach a broader range of patients. Second, reducing costs through virtual visits or telehealth is an option often deployed through a hybrid trial design. Third, eliminating source data verification (SDV) by collecting data directly from the source electronically. And finally, reducing administration costs by lessening the required in-clinic visits. As a result, these trials cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Improved Efficiency

Hybrid designs enable researchers to reduce patient burden thus improving retention. Patients can self-report in real-time giving researchers immediate access to their data. With recent advancements in technology, researchers are now able to course-correct patients boarding on non-compliance. Thus keeping studies on track and data consistent.

Flexibility and Adaptability

The dynamic nature of hybrid designs allows for modifications during the trial process. Researchers can make data-driven adjustments to study protocols, ensuring that the trial remains relevant and efficient.

Enhanced Patient Engagement

Hybrid trials often incorporate digital technologies such as ePRO/eCOA, wearables, and telemedicine. These tools foster better patient engagement, improve data collection, and make trials more accessible to diverse populations.

In summary, hybrid clinical trial designs are a powerful tool in medical research. By blending elements of traditional RCTs and virtual trials, they offer a host of benefits, including enhanced generalizability, reduced costs, improved efficiency, increased flexibility, and better patient engagement. Embracing this innovative approach can revolutionize the way we develop and evaluate new treatments, ultimately benefiting the global patient population.

At Datacubed Health, we recognize that most clinical studies will operate in a hybrid model. We can support RCTs, hybrid, and fully virtual trials. Moreover, our eCOA is the only solution on the market with built-in patient engagement, ensuring your patients stay engaged throughout the duration of your study. Check out this short video to see how we do it.