mdgroup aiming for a 'person-first' rather than 'technology first' clinical research environment

OSP asked Sarrah Val, vice president of global sales, what the team attending DIA global annual meeting 2023, was hoping to bring and take away from the event. 

OSP: What are you hoping to bring to DIA?​

Val: We are hoping to share our vision for a person-first, rather than technology-first, clinical research environment.

We know that by making it easier to take part in research, hybrid studies and DCTs can increase recruitment and retention. But it’s also true that weakening the link between participant and site – the link that forms the bedrock of protocol engagement – can sometimes have the very opposite effect. At mdgroup, we believe that focusing on the people, not the technology, and maintaining that all-important human touch is the answer, and are looking forward to showcasing our solutions.

OSP: What are you hoping to take from the event?​

Val: We are all experts in our field, but being part of such a dynamic industry in the midst of a digital revolution means there is always so much to learn. The mdgroup team is extremely excited to hear about the latest developments, especially in the realms of DCTs and patient engagment.

We what to find out how sponsor/CRO and sponsor/vendor relationships have been evolving in line with more wide-spread DCT adoption, and which technological advances are being used to optimize enrolment. We are also keen to hear how the use of real-world data has changed over the last year or so.

OSP: What key tracks presented at DIA this year are of particular note for you and why?​

Val: Our top picks for DIA Global 2023 include a session called Beyond the Why: How to effectively implement a patient-led approach to clinical trial design and conduct. Presented as part of the clinical trials and clinical operations track, we think it will be an enlightening insight into how teams are working to adopt DCTs on the ground.

Of course, the patient engagment track will also be of great interest to us at mdgroup. We are looking forward to hearing how other organizations have been driving meaningful engagement, as well as how stakeholders have been working together to promote participant involvement.

OSP: DIA talks of the ‘issues of today and the possibilities of tomorrow’ – how do you view those, and do events like DIA help address them? ​

Val: For decades, clinical trial processes have been slow, manual, and inefficient, and costs have been skyrocketing. The move to tech-enabled DCTs is revolutionising the space, providing solutions to many of the challenges that have been holding drug development back. It’s an incredibly exciting time, but we must be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Making sure we maintain the mission critical human touch in the shift to remote trials is paramount.

With so much happening at the same time, the industry needs to work together, to learn from each other, and to share best practice, if we are to succeed. Events such as DIA Global are the perfect platform for these discussions.