The recent JAMA editorial titled "Virtual and Remotely Conducted Trials: Connection Without Contact," published on April 15, 2026, has sparked significant discussion in Canada's higher education and research communities. Featuring contributions from An-Wen Chan of the University of Toronto's Department of Medicine and Women's College Research Institute, the piece outlines how decentralized clinical trials—often referred to as contactless or virtual trials—are reshaping medical research. These trials allow participants to engage from home using digital tools, eliminating the need for frequent site visits. For Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, this represents not just an innovation in methodology but a strategic opportunity to lead in clinical research amid evolving global standards.

At the University of Toronto, researchers have been at the forefront of integrating remote technologies into trial design. An-Wen Chan's involvement highlights U of T's commitment to advancing trial efficiency and patient accessibility. This editorial comes at a pivotal time, as Health Canada continues consultations on draft guidance for decentralized clinical trials, emphasizing regulatory support for remote consent, home-shipped investigational products, and wearable data collection. Canadian institutions are well-positioned, given the country's status as a G7 leader in clinical trial productivity, capturing about 4% of global trials with high recruitment rates.

Defining Decentralized Clinical Trials

Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs), also known as virtual or contactless trials, represent a paradigm shift from traditional site-based models. In conventional trials, participants travel to research centers for assessments, medication administration, and data collection. DCTs leverage smartphones, computers, wearables, and internet connectivity to conduct these activities remotely. Key elements include electronic informed consent (eConsent), direct-to-patient shipping of study drugs and kits, real-time patient-reported outcomes via apps, and continuous monitoring through devices like smartwatches for vital signs, activity levels, and physiological data.

This approach gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical interactions were minimized. In Canada, universities have pioneered hybrid models combining remote elements with selective site visits. For instance, the process typically unfolds in steps: initial remote screening via video or app, eConsent review, home delivery of trial materials, self-collected biospecimens shipped back, and data streaming from wearables analyzed in real-time. This not only reduces burden but captures more naturalistic data, reflecting real-world effectiveness rather than artificial clinic snapshots.

University of Toronto's Key Contributions

The University of Toronto (U of T) stands out with researchers like An-Wen Chan, whose expertise in trial methodology informs the JAMA editorial. Chan's work at Women's College Research Institute focuses on improving trial transparency and efficiency, directly influencing DCT adoption. U of T has led initiatives like the Canadian Treatments for COVID (CanTreatCOVID) platform trial, a decentralized national randomized controlled trial that recruited participants remotely across provinces during the pandemic.

This trial demonstrated DCT feasibility in Canada, using digital communication for enrollment and monitoring SARS-CoV-2 treatments. U of T's Temerty Faculty of Medicine and affiliated hospitals, such as Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, have integrated remote monitoring in oncology DCTs, as seen in studies published in JAMA Network Open. These efforts underscore U of T's role in bridging academia and industry, training the next generation of researchers skilled in digital trial technologies.

Advantages for Canadian Higher Education Research

Canada's vast geography makes DCTs particularly advantageous. Rural and remote communities, including Indigenous populations in the North, gain unprecedented access. Universities like McMaster, UBC, and U of T report faster recruitment—up to 30% quicker in some studies—and diverse participant pools, addressing underrepresentation in trials. Cost savings are substantial: traditional trials cost $20,000-$50,000 per patient; DCTs reduce this by 20-40% through eliminated site overheads.

For higher education, DCTs open doors to interdisciplinary programs. U of T's Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology now includes modules on digital trial design, preparing students for roles in pharma and CROs. Statistics from Clinical Trials Ontario show Canada hosting over 1,500 active trials annually, with DCTs comprising 15-20% in 2026, projected to rise to 40% by 2030 per industry forecasts.

Real-world data from wearables enhances post-market surveillance, vital for Health Canada's real-world evidence initiatives. This positions Canadian universities as global hubs for evidence generation.

Case Studies from Leading Canadian Universities

U of T's CanTreatCOVID exemplifies success: a decentralized platform enrolling over 1,000 participants remotely, adapting arms based on interim data. McMaster University's involvement in international DCTs, like REMAP-CAP for critical care, used remote data collection across sites.

At the University of British Columbia (UBC), trials for chronic diseases employ wearables for continuous glucose monitoring in diabetes studies, reducing visits by 70%. University of Calgary's AI-driven recruitment platforms match patients virtually, boosting enrollment in neurology trials. These cases illustrate how DCTs foster collaboration among Canada's top research-intensive universities.

• CanTreatCOVID (U of T): Remote recruitment during pandemic, multi-province scale.
• UBC Diabetes DCT: Wearable integration cuts dropout rates by 25%.
• U Calgary AI Matching: 40% faster patient-trial pairing.

Challenges in Implementing DCTs at Canadian Institutions

Despite promise, hurdles persist. The digital divide affects 15% of Canadians without reliable internet, particularly in rural areas. Data privacy under PIPEDA and emerging AI regulations requires robust cybersecurity. Regulatory alignment is advancing—Health Canada's draft guidance supports DCTs—but harmonization with FDA and EMA lags.

Universities face training gaps; faculty must upskill in data analytics and remote monitoring ethics. U of T addresses this via workshops, but scalability is key. Biospecimen handling at home raises quality concerns, mitigated by pre-paid kits and courier services.

Regulatory Evolution and Health Canada's Role

Health Canada's 2026 draft guidance endorses DCTs, covering eConsent, remote delegation, and virtual monitoring. Consultations closed February 2026, signaling full adoption soon. This aligns with CIHR funding priorities for innovative trials, boosting university grants.

For Canadian higher ed, this means more CIHR-funded DCTs, with U of T securing $10M+ annually in related projects. Health Canada's DCT guidance provides a roadmap, enhancing Canada's competitiveness.

Training and Education in DCTs at Canadian Universities

Higher education is adapting rapidly. U of T's Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation offers certificates in digital health trials. McGill's Clinical Trials MSc incorporates DCT modules. Programs emphasize FDA 21st Century Cures Act equivalents, data science, and ethics.

Online platforms like Coursera-U of T courses on trial design attract 5,000+ learners yearly. This prepares graduates for high-demand roles, with DCT expertise commanding 20% salary premiums.

Career Opportunities in Clinical Research

DCTs are creating jobs: clinical research coordinators, data scientists, regulatory specialists. U of T posts 50+ openings yearly in /clinical-research-jobs. Demand surges 25% per Statistics Canada, with roles at $80K-$120K average.

Universities partner with pharma like Pfizer Canada for DCT training hubs. Postdocs in U of T's Temerty Centre focus on AI-trial integration, leading to faculty positions.

Photo by Mauro-Fabio Cilurzo on Unsplash

Future Outlook for Contactless Trials in Canada

By 2030, 50% of trials will be decentralized, per Deloitte forecasts. Canadian universities will lead with hybrid models, AI analytics, and blockchain for data integrity. U of T's vision: equitable, efficient research transforming patient care.

As JAMA notes, "decentralized trials relying on digital tools... have proliferated rapidly." For Canada, this means global leadership from institutions like U of T. Read the full JAMA editorial.

Stakeholders—from researchers to policymakers—must invest in infrastructure and training to realize this potential, ensuring Canada's higher education sector drives health innovation.