For years, paper-based processes and individual point solutions dominated the clinical research landscape, and patient participation in clinical trials was largely an in-person engagement. But the rush to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 put clinical trials and the life sciences industry at a crossroads. With global efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic hinging on rapid drug discovery and development, traditional clinical trial methods emerged as increasingly inadequate.

The methods utilized during the pandemic are likely to have a lasting impact on the future of clinical trials, according to a new research study conducted by Informa Pharma Intelligence and Oracle. Indeed, an overwhelming majority of survey respondents believe that new clinical trial methods are here to stay.

Out of a survey of 251 professionals involved in clinical trials, 97% of respondents who adopted new clinical trial methods during the pandemic revealed that their organization plans to continue using at least one of the new methods going forward.