Decentralised Trials to Improve Child Access
Francisco González, Head of the Clinical Trials Operations Unit at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), took part in a roundtable discussion on 7 October 2026 hosted by RECLIP, the Catalan Network for Paediatric Clinical Research. The session, 'Decentralization of Clinical Trials in Pediatrics: Implementation Through a Network of Centers', brought together experts to examine how decentralised models can expand access to innovative treatments for children and adolescents. González presented VHIR's institutional strategy to advance paediatric clinical research, highlighting the newly launched BRIDGE project (Breaking Barriers with Remote Integration for Global Pediatric Trials). This initiative, funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III under project code UICM24/00003 and co-financed by the European Union through NextGenerationEU, aims to transform how clinical trials are conducted for young patients.
Digital Platform and Remote Monitoring
The BRIDGE project combines digital infrastructure, telemedicine and artificial intelligence to reduce the need for frequent hospital visits. A virtual clinical trial platform will be developed, enabling remote data collection, continuous monitoring and secure communication between researchers, healthcare professionals and patients. This is designed to remove barriers for families in rural or underserved areas who face challenges travelling to major hospitals. The project supports VHIR’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which identifies paediatric and perinatal research as a priority. The plan reinforces the role of the Paediatric and Perinatal Research Hub, which currently integrates 32 research groups, eight dedicated exclusively to paediatrics.
"This initiative reinforces our commitment to more innovative and inclusive research, with the aim that more children can access advanced treatments,"
said Dr Pere Soler, head of the Pediatric Infection and Immunity Research Group at VHIR and leader of the Paediatric Research Hub.
Expanding Collaboration and Inclusivity
BRIDGE focuses on three key areas: increasing the capacity to run paediatric trials, improving interoperability between research centres, and enhancing inclusivity to reach a broader patient base. By linking hospitals and research units across regions, the model supports a networked approach that allows more children to participate in studies regardless of where they live. The project is part of a wider shift toward digital, collaborative and inclusive clinical research at Vall d'Hebron. It aims to ensure that safe and effective therapies are accessible to all paediatric patients, irrespective of socioeconomic status or geographical location.
Reported by diaricatalunya.cat, vhir.vallhebron.com, vallhebron.com, ZonaIT.com, hospital.vallhebron.com, Diari Catalunya.
