Evaluating complex immunological indications through digital health tools requires site infrastructure that moves as fast as the science, especially with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a debilitating, painful condition that presents immense daily challenges for patients. Success demands rapid site initiation, seamless technology onboarding, and proactive patient retention strategies. DelRicht Research delivers the operational agility and clinical precision necessary to accelerate intricate dermatology therapies.

DelRicht Research was selected as a participating site network for a U.S.-based study evaluating the efficacy of a wearable device designed for participants living with the chronic pain of Hidradenitis Suppurativa. The protocol targeted an adult population (aged 18–70) with a minimum one-year history of HS, active painful lesions, and an overall severity score of Hurley Stage II or III. Additionally, participants were required to have access to a smartphone to connect to the study’s device for data collection.

Exceeding Enrollment Targets & Start-Up Timelines

Across the overall study, the sponsor established a goal to enroll 30 patients across 6 sites. DelRicht’s initial goal was to enroll 15 of those patients across three network locations. Demonstrating rapid site deployment and effective participant outreach during the enrollment window, our three participating sites exceeded expectations by enrolling 23 qualified participants, achieving 153.2% of our expected enrollment target.

This performance was made possible by an experienced network of Principal Investigators specializing in dermatological research:

Dr. Christie Matter | Lockhart Matter Dermatology (Prosper, TX)
Dr. Ira Thorla | LA Dermatology Associates (Baton Rouge, LA)
Dr. Stephanie Smith-Phillips | Mt. Pleasant Dermatology (Mt. Pleasant, SC)

Through exceptional site readiness, Dr. Stephanie Smith-Phillips and her team achieved major studywide milestones, earning First Site Initiation Visit, First Site Activation, and First Patient In across the entire trial. In addition, all three DelRicht sites contributed to a 2-day average activation to screening timeline and maintained an average 96.5% retention rate throughout the study. Tyler Hastings, Managing Partner at DelRicht Research commented:

“Dr. Smith-Phillips securing First SIV, First Site Activation, and First Patient In studywide demonstrates the real power of our embedded network model. When you combine trusted community physicians with centralized, study-ready site infrastructure, you eliminate the typical hurdles in complex digital health trials. That translates directly to high-integrity data for sponsors and quality care options for patients seeking new therapies.” – Tyler Hastings, Managing Partner

Overcoming Key Operational & Digital Health Challenges

Trials involving decentralized elements, such as continuous wearable hardware and daily electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO), present distinct operational hurdles. DelRicht identified two critical challenges inherent to this wearable device protocol and implemented systematic solutions to ensure data integrity and patient compliance.

The need for multiple, daily eDairy entries combined with smart device troubleshooting, especially among older adults, significantly increased patient cognitive burden, while daily charging requirements for the wearable device heightened the risk of missed logs and incomplete data. To reduce technical inquiries and ensure data quality, we utilized proactive patient-centered education on app configuration, connectivity, and mock eDairy logs to build patient confidence in technology requirements. In addition, our teams employed daily oversight, automated reminders, 24/7 support, and dedicated coordinators for follow-up on missed entries.

What This Means for Sponsors and CROs

For sponsors navigating modern device protocols, DelRicht Research provides the site infrastructure required for complex digital health integration, disease-specific recruitment, and rigorous data compliance. Rapid startup timelines accelerate overall study momentum from day one. By balancing technical requirements with active participant engagement, we deliver high enrollment without sacrificing protocol compliance, giving sponsors the clean, reliable datasets needed for endpoint analysis.

Partner With DelRicht Research

From accelerated site startup to high-integrity execution of digital health protocols, DelRicht Research provides the operational discipline and clinical expertise required to advance modern therapies.

If you are planning an upcoming trial in dermatology, chronic pain, or digital health, our teams are ready to accelerate your timelines. Learn more about our sites and capabilities at www.DelRichtResearch.com or reach out directly to discuss your next protocol.