ICTD 2023 - Using decentralized elements in a pediatric trial - Jaroslaw Meyer-Szary

After an overview of issues related to paediatric trials and the benefits of DCTs as well as the current overlap, Jaroslaw Meyer-Szary presented MeDMD which looked to identify means of heart failure prevention in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This trial integrated different elements of decentralisation from recruitment including visibility of the trial, through to an electronic pre-screening process, and patient reported outcomes. Other elements were mobilised only when absolutely necessary including parental econsent and drug delivery. In short, he explains it is feasible and helpful to include DCT elements into a trial but these are not without their limitations (legal, technical & practical).