4.3. Advantages of a Remote and Virtual Decentralized Trial
cardiometabolic diseases
DISEASE
Although we did not test the effectiveness of a remote and virtual decentralized trial experience on willingness to participate in a clinical trial, it is likely that it impacted our findings. The increased use of technology and digital health tools, including the use of websites and mobile apps, may provide a solution to address the ongoing lack of diversity in clinical research, thereby bridging the communication gaps and providing useful information to improve cardiometabolic outcomes among racial/ethnic minorities. Mobile technologies are scalable and pioneering approaches to reducing the burden of cardiometabolic diseases. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness is limited. A recent systematic review found that tracking daily health behaviors, disease education, self-monitoring and managing symptoms, and managing communication between providers are appealing app features. Thus, understanding the facilitators of optimizing digital self-care tools via mobile platforms is central to widening appeal, utility, and relevance [