Survey Finds Patients Prefer Remote Trials but Want Simple, Trusted Wearables to Participate

Insights from Vivalink’s survey help sponsors and CROs design trials that improve participation and retention

CAMPBELL, Calif.

As sponsors increasingly expand clinical trials to include remote participants, a new survey shows that nearly 90% of Americans are open to participating in fully remote trials, marking a major shift in how people want to engage with research. To better understand what drives participation, Vivalink, a leading provider of digital healthcare solutions, surveyed over 200 U.S. adults about their expectations for remote trial experiences and wearable technologies.

More than half (52%) of respondents said they are very likely to join a fully remote clinical trial, compared to just 34% who said the same about in-person trials. While 78% were open to participating in person, over one in five (22%) ruled it out entirely. Notably, those unwilling to participate in a remote trial were also unlikely to join any trial at all.

User experience emerged as the top driver of participation. Respondents prioritized easy-to-use tools (70%), financial compensation (56%), and clear and consistent communication (55%) as the most important considerations. For wearable devices, participants emphasized the need for FDA-cleared devices and access to tech support.

Key findings from the survey include:

• Participants prefer trials that include virtual elements: 37% said they’re very likely to join a hybrid trial, and 52% are somewhat likely.
• Comfort and clarity are key to retention: 68% cited physical discomfort as the top reason they would leave a trial, followed by unclear expectations (51%) and difficulty using the technology, even with support (47%).
• Time commitment shapes participation decisions: 57% of respondents would only participate in a trial lasting three months or less, and 26% wouldn’t participate in one longer than three weeks.

It’s clear from these findings that remote clinical trials are more than just a convenience; they’re a prerequisite for many people considering participation,” said Jiang Li, CEO at Vivalink. “As virtual trials become more common, designing them around patient experience, not just logistics, will be key to successful recruitment and retention.

The growing adoption of decentralized trial models is fueling demand for trusted, FDA-cleared technology and reliable wearables. Vivalink’s platform, already used in clinical trials at high-profile research centers, aims to address those needs with flexible solutions designed for both patients and researchers.

Download the Full Survey Results

About Vivalink
Vivalink is a provider of digital healthcare solutions for remote patient monitoring in healthcare and clinical trials. By combining medical wearables, advanced algorithms, and clinical applications, we provide a more effective and accessible approach to patient care worldwide.

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