When you need to outsource your clinical trials and decentralized visits, it can be beneficial to select a single provider that can do both. There are many synergies that come from using a single provider, but there can be downsides as well. Let’s explore the pros and cons of using a CRO with in-house DCT capabilities.
Pros of Using a CRO that has Internal DCT Capabilities
When utilizing a single vendor for your full-service support and in-home visits, there are synergies gained that help keep your trial moving forward more quickly and efficiently.
Often when CROs are responsible for selecting a DCT provider, they may select the one that has the lowest impact to their overall budget and may not be one they have worked closely together in the past. It may take a little longer for both sides to learn how the other works and to work together effectively.
#1 - Communication Can Happen More Quickly
If you have worked with multiple vendors on a project, you likely understand some of the challenges associated with managing all parties involved. When your CRO and DCT provider are the same company, there can be improved communication to you as the sponsor. Instead of sitting in separate status meetings with each vendor, you may only have to attend one.
Internally, communication and decision-making between both sides can happen easily and more quickly when there is a single vendor involved. The CRO and DCT teams can be a quick chat message or walk down the hall to talk to one another. Together they can quickly reach decisions and be a united front when communicating with sponsors, sites, and other vendors.
These efficiencies may seem trivial, but over the course of multi-year trial can add up and impact the overall duration of your clinical trial.
#2 - Cost Savings for Bundling Services
When using two different vendors, there can be some additional cost to the overall budget simply because each organization prices their services individually so that it makes sense financially to them.
But much like discounts that are given for bundling your home and auto insurance, utilizing a single provider to manage your trial, including in-home visits. Sponsors may be able to achieve a better pricing structure for bundling services.
#3 - Ability to Build a Long-Term Relationship with Your CRO
Decentralized visits are becoming more widely implemented across the industry, and if you have a strong, positive relationship with your CRO, it can be easy to tap into their DCT team. Both teams can work together to support your end goals without any kind of animosity over who is getting a better end of the deal.
#4 - All the Data is Under One Roof
It can be a lot of work to compile and analyze data from multiple vendors over the course of the same trial. By using the same CRO for decentralized visits, you can save some time and headaches from knowing the data is all coming from the same place.
This ultimately helps save money and can be a way to speed up your drug or device development timeline.
#5 - Harmony Across Quality Standards
We know that you often audit your vendors prior to signing contracts in order to ensure they are compliant with regulations and adhering to a level of quality you need. By utilizing a single vendor, you know that everyone is following the same quality standards and SOPs.
Cons of Using a Single CRO Vendor for Full Service and DCT Support
There can be a downside to using a single vendor for clinical trial services that include decentralized visits.
Most companies choose to audit their CRO vendors to bring to light any concerning issues prior to signing the contract. That should allow you to see how they respond and communicate with you, and so you can judge the quality of their work.
Some CROs may have acquired their decentralized clinical trial services through an acquisition, which may mean that while both groups are operating under the same name, they may not be operating as one organization. The issues that you run into when using multiple vendors can still exist in this instance.
Be sure to do your due diligence to ensure you have the confidence that a single vendor can truly meet all your needs.
ProPharma Provides Full Service CRO Services with In-House DCT Capabilities
At ProPharma, we know that you want to partner with a CRO that can meet your study needs in a flexible manner while focusing on top-quality results. Our team will bring a collaborative approach so that we can give you a customized plan that will meet your goals. We pride ourselves on becoming invested in helping you win and want to see you succeed as much as you do.
If you are looking for a partner to run your upcoming studies, contact us to connect with a member of our team.
