The term describes publicly available resources designed to educate individuals involved in clinical research conducted outside of traditional brick-and-mortar settings. These materials provide a structured approach to understanding the specific guidelines and procedures necessary for executing a clinical trial where participants engage from various locations, often leveraging technology for data collection and monitoring. For instance, a pharmaceutical company might offer a downloadable guide outlining the key components of a remote trial protocol, accompanied by a series of pre-formatted forms to ensure consistent data capture across all participant sites.
Availability of such resources promotes broader participation in research, reduces training costs for institutions and investigators, and can standardize data collection methodologies in decentralized clinical trials. Historically, clinical trial training was predominantly classroom-based and expensive, restricting accessibility. The advent of readily accessible digital materials democratizes the process, potentially leading to more diverse patient populations and faster trial completion rates. The standardization that comes with documented protocols can also improve data integrity and facilitate regulatory compliance.