Study on knowledge, practices, and attitudes toward decentralized clinical trials among the clinical trial practitioners in China

TL;DR

This study explores how clinical trial professionals in China understand and feel about decentralized clinical trials, finding limited experience but high interest.

Contribution

The paper provides the first survey-based insights into DCT knowledge and attitudes among Chinese clinical trial practitioners.

Findings

Most respondents had basic DCT knowledge and high willingness to participate.

Limited practical experience was reported, though internet recruitment was more familiar.

Technical barriers and data reliability concerns were seen as major implementation challenges.

Abstract

Studies on the application of decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) in China are limited. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of clinical trial practitioners in China toward DCTs.

An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1st to November 30th, 2023. A total of 621 valid questionnaires were collected, including 227 completed by Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), 150 by Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs), and 244 by Program Managers (PMs).

The majority of respondents possessed basic knowledge of DCTs and showed a high willingness to participate, but their practice experience was limited, with a relatively high level of practice experience in internet recruitment. Respondents were more interested in the improvement of patients’ rights brought by DCTs, such as more opportunities for clinical trials. Technical barriers and data reliability were the main barriers to implementation.

Clinical trial practitioners need to enhance their technical skills and knowledge about DCTs, enhance the overall level of the industry, and promote the better implementation and application of DCTs in China.

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