Unlock the Future of Clinical Trials at SOCRA’s First-Ever DCT Conference This April

Join us April 4-5, 2024, for this new program on Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCT) in charming Savannah, GA. Spearheaded by Jessica Rowe, President of SOCRA  and a passionate advocate for DCTs, this event is designed to clarify and explore the multifaceted world of DCTs. Over two days, attendees will gain comprehensive insights into the operational, regulatory, and ethical dimensions of DCTs, understanding how they are reshaping clinical research to be more inclusive and patient-centered.

A Professional and Personal Mission

The push toward DCTs is more than just a professional effort – it’s a deeply personal mission for Jess. Growing up in a resource-limited rural setting, Jess confronted firsthand the barriers to accessing advanced medical care and research. This personal experience has fueled her advocacy for DCTs, driving her to champion a shift in clinical research that prioritizes accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity. Jess’s advocacy for DCTs is driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of their geographic location, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, deserves access to the latest medical advancements and the opportunity to contribute to scientific discoveries. In keeping with the medical community’s growing endorsement of a patient-centric approach, Jess advocates for a similar evolution in clinical research.

“We’re transitioning our perspective to view patients as partners, not merely study subjects. Decentralizing clinical trials is about focusing on individuals and meeting them where they are,” Jess stated, emphasizing the need for clinical research to adapt and become more convenient and accessible to promote recruitment and retention.

Through her leadership, the conference aims to showcase how DCTs can embody this vision, making clinical research universally accessible and reflective of a broad spectrum of populations and regions.

Conference Highlights: A Gateway to DCT Expertise

Despite the clear advantages of recruitment, retention, diversity, and inclusivity, DCTs face considerable hurdles. Their novelty introduces complex challenges, and the absence of comprehensive regulatory guidance is a significant barrier to their broader implementation. Jess noted that many researchers remain cautious when navigating the uncertainties around technology, ethical considerations, and potential financial implications associated with departing from traditional trial models.

To address these challenges and opportunities, the DCT conference has been carefully crafted to explore all aspects of DCTs, from ethical and regulatory considerations to practical implementation hurdles.

• Quality Oversight and Management: Leslie Sam will draw on her extensive experience in Africa to discuss the challenges of ensuring data integrity in decentralized settings and share practical strategies for quality management.
• Regulatory Insights from the FDA: Nicole Bell, an FDA Regulatory Officer, will offer insights into the current regulatory framework for DCTs, providing attendees with a valuable perspective on regulatory guidance and expectations.
• Ethical and Operational Considerations: Linda Coleman, Barbara Bierer, and Megan Singleton, renowned experts in the field, will explore the ethical and operational challenges of DCTs, including IRB and institutional human research protection program (HRPP) considerations. Their sessions will arm participants with essential insights to navigate the complexities of DCTs effectively.
• Multiple Interactive Panel Discussions: To enhance engagement and address the nuanced aspects of DCTs, Jess has incorporated multiple panel discussions instead of the usual one into the agenda. These sessions will allow attendees to interact directly with experts, ask pressing questions, and explore real-world challenges and solutions.

Jess believes that one of the most important reasons for attending the conference is the unprecedented access to industry experts. “This conference lets you connect directly with leaders through lunches, panel discussions, and other networking opportunities. You can also schedule post-conference meetings with our experts for even more personalized advice and deeper exploration of topics,” she shared.

Whether you are grappling with the intricacies of quality management in decentralized settings, seeking clarity on regulatory compliance, or exploring the ethical implications of DCTs, Jess helped create this conference to deepen your understanding and equip you to navigate the evolving landscape of clinical trials confidently, no matter your role or experience level.

The Impact and Future of DCTs

DCTs are revolutionizing clinical research by fostering more inclusive and patient-centered studies that genuinely reflect the diversity of populations. Jess sees a future where the initial integration of hybrid trials—those that combine decentralized and traditional methods—will pave the way for a broader acceptance and implementation of DCTs.

As the medical community becomes more comfortable with these innovative approaches, Jess anticipates that fully decentralized trials will eventually become the standard in clinical research. This shift, driven by technological advancements and evolving regulatory and operational frameworks, promises to make research more accessible, equitable, and representative of all populations, leading to healthcare breakthroughs that benefit everyone.

Embracing the Embracing the Next Generation of Clinical Trials

As we approach a new era in clinical trials, we invite you to engage in the critical conversation shaping the future of clinical research. This conference, bridging theory with practical application in a setting that fosters learning and networking, promises to enlighten clinical research professionals aiming to innovate and excel in their field. In addition to gaining invaluable insights, attendees will earn continuing education credits and enjoy the historic charm of Savannah, making this conference a must-attend event for anyone involved in clinical research.

Register now to secure your spot at the leading edge of clinical research innovation! For more details, visit our website, contact us, or call (215) 822-8644.