Why Patients Drop Out of Remote Trials and How to Keep Them Enrolled

Patient adherence directly impacts the success of a clinical trial. Every participant who drop outs before the study ends can weaken results, extend timelines, and increase costs. Whether the trial is site-based, hybrid, or decentralized, keeping participants engaged is necessary for scientific validity and operational efficiency.

To better understand what keeps participants engaged or prompts them to drop out, Vivalink surveyed over 200 individuals about their experiences with virtual trials, hybrid studies, and remote patient monitoring (RPM) solutions. The results show that trial design, device choice, and participant support have the greatest influence on retention.

Why Participants Join Clinical Trials

Wearable technology and remote patient monitoring (RPM) have changed why people join clinical trials. Instead of traveling to a clinic for every check-in, participants can now use connected devices, such as wearable ECG patches, biosensors, or mobile health apps to securely transmit data from home.

Our survey found that the top motivator for participants to join a hybrid or virtual clinical trial was the potential to improve a medical condition (37%). The potential to receive monetary gain ranked second (35%), followed by the convenience of participating from home (14%) and the opportunity to contribute to scientific advancements (13%).

What Keeps Participants Engaged Once Enrolled

Easy-to-Use, FDA-Cleared Technology

Nearly 70% of respondents said they were more likely to complete a six-month trial when the technology was simple and intuitive. Nearly 60% said they’d feel more comfortable using wearable devices if they were FDA-cleared. Difficult-to-use devices, inconsistent readings, or unreliable performance can quickly erode that confidence and cause participants to disengage or drop out.

Clear Onboarding and Ongoing Support

The early days of a trial often set the tone for participation. Over half of respondents said step-by-step resource guidance would help them stay engaged, while 57% emphasized the need for technical support throughout the study. Because participants' comfort with technology can vary, offering onboarding in multiple formats, such as written guides, video tutorials, and live sessions, ensures they can use devices correctly.

Strong Communication and Regular Updates

Once the trial is underway, consistent communication can help keep participants engaged. About 55% said regular updates from the research team would help them stay committed, and 44% valued reminders and check-ins. The results show that making it easy to reach the team with questions builds reassurance and strengthens participants’ connection to the study.

Financial and Personal Motivators

Over 55% of participants said financial compensation would help them remain in a study, and 35% said feeling their participation matters to the success of the study is an effective motivator. The results show that pairing fair compensation with supportive technology, clear communication, and flexible scheduling addresses key participant needs and removes barriers to participation. 

What Influences Participant Trial Dropouts

The top reason participants said they would leave a study early was physical discomfort from a device or procedure, which was cited by 68%. A poorly fitted wearable ECG patch or a device that restricts movement can quickly become a barrier. Sponsors can minimize this risk by choosing well-tested devices, verifying proper fit during onboarding, and checking in to address any comfort issues.

Over half (51%) said unclear expectations or instructions could prompt them to leave, and 47% pointed to difficulty using technology, even with support. Another 45% said changes in health, schedule, or personal circumstances could lead them to withdraw. The survey suggest that adherence and retention improve when trial technology fits naturally into participants’ routines, with little to no disruption or steep learning curve.

Retention Starts with the Right Trial Design

Patient adherence has long been a challenge in clinical research, with dropout rates reaching as high as 30%. Our survey suggests that technology alone rarely keeps participants engaged. Researchers see better results when they work with vendors that deliver FDA-cleared devices participants can use without frustration, along with thorough onboarding and tailored support for each trial.

This support helps participants feel confident using the technology, reduces barriers to participation, and ultimately improves the chances they will stay engaged. Learn how Vivalink’s wearable devices, remote monitoring solutions, and tailored support keep participants committed while giving researchers the reliable data they need.