AI Speeds Up Medical Trials, But Human Touch Still Key

Medical breakthroughs could reach patients faster as artificial intelligence transforms how clinical trials work, but the technology only succeeds when human relationships are strong.

AI is already helping pharmaceutical companies choose better trial sites, manage mountains of data, and plan more effective studies. The time savings are real and measurable, allowing researchers to move faster than ever before.

But Jimmy Bechtel, chief site success officer for the Society for Clinical Research Sites, says the biggest delays happen before technology even enters the picture. Poor communication between sponsors and research sites, redundant training requirements, and endless contract negotiations slow down trials before a single patient enrolls.

"Sites and sponsors need effective relationship management practices, open and transparent communication, and knowing the appropriate channels to identify who to contact about things," Bechtel explains. He's speaking at the 2026 Summit for Clinical Operations Executives in Orlando this February.

The problems are surprisingly basic. Sites sometimes wait a full day for responses because contact people work in different time zones. Staff members repeat the same training over and over, even though their previous certifications remain valid.

Anusha Shetty, senior director of strategy at Veeva Systems, points out that every new study starts contract negotiations from scratch. There's no central system to reuse previously agreed language, forcing everyone to reinvent the wheel.

Why This Inspires

The solution isn't choosing between technology and human connection. It's using both together.

Shetty suggests creating central databases that track completed training across studies, eliminating pointless duplication. Better communication channels could resolve contract negotiations in days instead of weeks.

Meanwhile, AI handles what it does best. The technology can suggest ideal research sites, spot holes in data, identify underperforming locations, and prepare documents in a fraction of the time humans need.

Dr. Jared Saul, Chief Medical Officer at Amazon Web Services, notes that AI assists throughout the entire trial process, from identifying sites to designing better protocols. The administrative burden that once consumed researchers' time is shrinking.

The pharmaceutical industry has talked about speeding up trials for years. Now it's actually happening, but not just because of fancy algorithms. The acceleration comes from combining smart technology with smarter human collaboration.

When research sites and sponsors communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, and respect each other's time, trials move faster. Add AI to that foundation, and life-saving treatments reach patients months or even years sooner.

That means people waiting for new cancer treatments, rare disease therapies, or breakthrough medications won't wait as long. Technology and teamwork together are shortening the path from laboratory discovery to real-world healing.