October 7, 2022 – The PPD clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announced the creation of the PPD DCT Network to support global investigators and research sites participating in decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) for pharmaceutical and biotech customers.
A cornerstone of the network will be a new DCT eLearning certification program developed in collaboration with the Site Advocacy Group process of the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS), a global organization that supports more than 9,500 sites in 47 countries. Through the DCT network, investigators and sites will receive practical DCT training that leads to network membership. A dedicated DCT network manager will collaborate with investigators and sites to coordinate knowledge sharing, best practices and guidance among network members on the ever-evolving DCT landscape. The network will be available to the full range of sites that the business currently works with to deliver DCT studies for customers.
The PPD clinical research business has established itself as a leader in the development of DCTs, which afford greater access to clinical trials for patients who previously may have been unable to participate because of a variety of personal factors, such as distance from research sites and conflicts with their work schedules. The new network will support sites as DCTs evolve and as clinical researchers seek to improve the patient experience in clinical trials by offering options such as telemedicine, home health care and mobile sites that enable more people to participate.
- The DCT certification program features two tiers:
- Level 1 provides a foundational introduction to DCTs.
- Level 2 builds upon the first level with in-depth capabilities for application of DCTs.
The skill-enhancing training features online eLearning courses and covers a wide variety of DCT aspects such as: definitions, principles, strategies, challenges and best practices; design and the ideal circumstances for DCT studies; solutions and supporting services; management considerations and instructions; and site capabilities such as staffing, training and facilities.