In the ever-evolving landscape of clinical research, adaptation is not just a necessity — it is a driving force behind innovation. As we reflect on our third year attending DPHARM: Disruptive Innovation in Modernizing Clinical Research Conference in Boston, our attendees Jess Mays, VP of Life Sciences, Adam Merola, Director of Life Sciences, and Lindsay Derucher, Project Manager, share their insights.
DPHARM 2023 ushered in a new era in clinical research, marked by flexible mobile solutions, hybrid care models, and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Learn how this event has influenced our approach.
Takeaway #1: The Growing Significance of Mobile Delivery Models
Over the years, we have witnessed a remarkable shift toward embracing mobile solutions in clinical trials. This trend, along with the rise of hybrid care models, has significantly grown since our first DPHARM conference in 2021.
This year’s event was better than ever, featuring more vendors, attendees, engaging activities, and exciting innovations. "One of the most meaningful experiences for me," Mays expressed, "was when a colleague still learned something new during my session at DPHARM. Additionally, attendees who haven't worked with us also approached me with interest in learning more about our mobile clinical solutions."
How Our Delivery Models Took Center Stage at DPHARM 2023
- Evolution of the MVC: Over the years, the MVC has progressed from niche to necessity in clinical trials.
- Surging Demand for Alternative Care Methods: DPHARM demonstrated the rapid growth in demand for alternative delivery methods and hybrid care models, offering a patient-centric approach.
- 20/20 Onsite Breakfast Event: Our Coffee & MVC Tours left a lasting impression on Wednesday morning, allowing attendees an up-close experience with our clinic-on-wheels. Thanks to our local coffee trike, Travelmug Cafe, for fueling the morning excitement.
Our team’s Mobile Vision Clinic tours and coffee setup. - The Blind Spot in Clinical Research: Jess Mays presented eye-opening insights on how eye exams are impacting non-ophthalmic clinical trials and how 20/20 Onsite is solving this problem. Mays recalled, “My speaker track at DPHARM discussed how oftentimes we forget that the things we do now, was once the new thing that everybody was scared of. It's just a matter of getting used to it, testing it in the least risky way, validating, and then iterating.”
Jess Mays during her DPHARM speaker session.
Recommended Reading: A Look Back at Last Year’s DPHARM Highlights
Takeaway #2: Mobile Vision Clinics Embody the Disruptive Nature of DPHARM
Parking the MVC right outside the conference venue was a proud moment for Merola and our Life Sciences team. It felt like a testament to the clinical research community’s commitment to embracing the disruptive spirit of the conference itself.
Our Mobile Vision Clinic parked outside of the DPHARM conference hall.
Merola takes pride in knowing that 20/20 Onsite is recognized as a leader in decentralizing clinical trials. “20/20 Onsite is a truly tangible example of what it means to decentralize trials — because we are physically decentralizing trials, bringing assessments to the patient’s address in the form of a clinic that’s actually moving.”
Takeaway #3: The Rising Role of AI in Clinical Research
Innovations like AI are poised to become mainstream solutions.
Mays noted that all the conversations about AI brought her to a realization: “We often forget that the tools and solutions we now use every day were once the new thing that everyone was afraid of. Everything we use now went through testing and refining to make them the best they can be. I can’t wait to see what technology looks like when we attend DPHARM next year.”
It is not uncommon for pioneering concepts like AI to be met with skepticism upon first introduction. However, the excitement over the potential uses of AI in clinical settings was palpable. As we look ahead, Mays believes the adoption of AI will parallel the evolution of mobile health clinics and decentralized clinical trials, moving from niche concepts to essential components in clinical research.
Takeaway #4: Inspiring Innovations and Collaborations
Derucher, attending DPHARM with 20/20 Onsite for the first time, eagerly anticipates future conferences. She emphasized, "I'm walking away from DPHARM with invaluable insights into the future of clinical trials and operations, a great experience contributing to my personal and professional development."
20/20 Onsite’s booth at DPHARM 2023.
At DPHARM, the opportunity to learn about groundbreaking innovations from fellow members of the clinical research community is a source of inspiration that fuels our ongoing pursuit of excellence. What sets this event apart is the chance to connect with disruptors, innovators, and thought leaders, all united by a shared commitment to enhancing clinical trials.
Derucher was thrilled to learn about innovations from industry changemakers like…
- Natasha Massaias of Datacubed Health: “I love the product they developed, and the way it puts patients and clinical trial subjects in the driver's seat of their journey. Technology supports them to track progress and stay informed about their health. This technology empowers patients to be proactive and stay engaged — seamlessly.”
- Paul Graham of Couch Health: “At 20/20 Onsite, we strive to make participation easy and inclusive for all, so the most exciting innovation I saw was the use of AI in clinical trials and how it can be deployed to drive diversity. I hadn’t considered this concept before, and this challenged me to consider how I communicate with clinical trial participants and what types of tools I use in my outreach.”
Looking Ahead: Connect with 20/20 Onsite
This conference got Derucher and our team thinking:
- We may do different things, but how can we learn from others?
- How can we partner with others to become stronger and more efficient?
- In what ways can we continue to grow and challenge the status quo?
These questions continue to inspire us as we look ahead to next year’s conference. “I am eager to hear updates on everyone’s progress over the next 12 months at DPHARM 2024,” Mays explained. “Who is leaning in, and have there been any issues or advancements we could support you through?”
Whether you were at DPHARM 2023 or missed us this year, set up a meeting with Jess Mays; she would love to hear your takeaways and discuss the strategies you are prioritizing as we approach the end of 2023.
Visit our upcoming events page to stay updated on where our Life Science team is headed next.