On Wednesday, 28 January 2026, we gathered in Bern for the SCTO Forum 2026 to explore the evolving landscape of decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) in Switzerland and beyond. The event brought together regulatory experts, investigators, industry leaders, patient representatives and data governance specialists for a rich exchange of perspectives.

Key takeaways

Careful planning is essential 
The most recurring theme: Successful DCT implementation demands thorough population assessment. One size doesn’t fit all, not every trial or patient population benefits from decentralisation.

Balancing responsibilities 
A critical challenge emerged: While DCT elements shift tasks to external providers (home nurses, local HCPs, vendors), investigators and sites retain full accountability. This creates additional coordination complexity and oversight burdens without corresponding revenue, highlighting the need for new resource allocation models.

The call for harmonisation 
Speakers from Switzerland, s Europe, and industry voiced a clear message: we need harmonised regulatory frameworks. Country-specific requirements add operational complexity that could be reduced through aligned EU-wide guidance while respecting national specificities.

Data governance in focus 
The European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation will fundamentally reshape secondary use of health data. By 2029, researchers will need data permits from Health Data Access Bodies, a significant change requiring adaptation of current processes and infrastructure.

AI: The next frontier 
Artificial intelligence emerged as a cross-cutting theme that will continue to shape DCTs. From patient recruitment to predictive analytics and adverse event detection, AI offers tremendous opportunities alongside regulatory and ethical challenges.

Human touch remains crucial 
Perhaps the most important insight: hybrid approaches combining digital tools with human interaction vastly outperform purely digital solutions, especially for underrepresented populations. Technology should augment, not replace, the therapeutic relationship.

Looking ahead
The consensus is clear: DCTs offer real benefits, reduced participant burden, broader accessibility, operational efficiency, but only when thoughtfully implemented with:

• Clear accountability frameworks
• Adequate site support and funding
• Patient-centred design
• Robust data governance
• Maintained investigator-patient relationships

Thank you to all speakers adn participants for such valuable discussions. The future of clinical trials is hybrid, human-centred, and increasingly data-driven.

Next up: Join us on 2 June 2026 in Zürich for our SCTO Symposium on AI in Clinical Research: Possibilities and Limitations.