Vivalink, a digital health company specializing in remote patient monitoring and clinical trial technology, has released new survey results showing that nearly 90% of U.S. adults are open to participating in fully remote clinical trials—a sign that decentralized research is quickly becoming a preferred model for many potential participants. The findings underscore the importance of designing remote trials with patient experience as the central priority, from device usability to communication and support.
The company surveyed over 200 U.S. adults to understand their expectations for remote trial experiences and wearable technologies. The responses point to a clear opportunity for sponsors and CROs to improve both recruitment and retention by offering easy-to-use, FDA-cleared devices, transparent communication, and flexible trial formats.
Remote and Hybrid Trials Gain Momentum
According to the survey, 52% of respondents said they are “very likely” to join a fully remote clinical trial, compared to only 34% for in-person trials. While 78% are open to in-person participation, more than one in five (22%) ruled it out entirely. Those unwilling to join a remote trial were also unlikely to participate in any trial at all—indicating that decentralized options can help reach otherwise inaccessible populations.
Hybrid trials, which blend virtual and on-site participation, also hold appeal: 37% of respondents were “very likely” to participate, and 52% were “somewhat likely.”
Drivers of Participation—and Barriers to Retention
The survey highlights several factors that strongly influence enrollment decisions:
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Ease of use for trial tools (70%)
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Financial compensation (56%)
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Clear and consistent communication (55%)
For wearable devices specifically, respondents emphasized the importance of FDA clearance and access to technical support.
On the retention side, the most common reasons participants would drop out of a trial include:
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Physical discomfort from devices or procedures (68%)
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Unclear expectations (51%)
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Difficulty using technology, even with support (47%)
Time commitment was another major consideration: 57% would only participate in a trial lasting three months or less, and 26% would not join any trial lasting longer than three weeks.
Industry Context: Decentralized Trials in the Spotlight
The results arrive as the decentralized clinical trial (DCT) market continues to expand, driven by demand for more patient-friendly participation models. Analysts project strong growth through 2030 as sponsors adopt hybrid and remote-first approaches that broaden recruitment reach and reduce site-related costs.
Companies like Medable, Science 37, and THREAD are competing in the DCT space, each with unique approaches to platform design and patient engagement. Vivalink differentiates itself with a portfolio of FDA-cleared, medical-grade wearable sensors and a cloud platform that integrates directly into trial workflows—designed to minimize participant burden while delivering high-quality, continuous data.
Insights from Leadership
“It’s clear from these findings that remote clinical trials are more than just a convenience; they’re a prerequisite for many people considering participation,” said Jiang Li, CEO at Vivalink. “As virtual trials become more common, designing them around patient experience, not just logistics, will be key to successful recruitment and retention.”
Looking Ahead: Patient-Centric Trial Design
Vivalink’s survey reinforces a growing industry consensus: the future of clinical trials depends on aligning protocol design with patient priorities. From shortening trial durations to ensuring comfort and usability, sponsors that integrate these considerations early can improve both enrollment velocity and study completion rates.
With its proven wearable technology, remote monitoring expertise, and growing network of research partnerships, Vivalink is positioned to help shape the next generation of decentralized and hybrid trial models.
Relevant Links
– This original article was created with AI support.
