Remotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: An Update on Safety and Tolerability

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Trials
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) requires multiple sessions for therapeutic effects.
• Daily clinic visits for tDCS pose significant barriers for patient participation.
• Existing protocols limit accessibility due to logistical and travel constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an updated protocol for remotely supervised self-administration of tDCS (RS-tDCS).
• To facilitate daily tDCS treatment sessions combined with computer-based cognitive training from home.
• To overcome obstacles associated with traditional in-clinic tDCS administration for clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Participants receive training and equipment (tDCS device, laptop) at a baseline clinic visit.
• Daily tDCS sessions and computer-based cognitive remediation are completed at home.
• Remote monitoring and control of sessions via videoconferencing and computer systems.
• Feasibility and tolerance assessed remotely using onscreen visual analogue scales.

Main Results:

• The RS-tDCS protocol demonstrated safety, feasibility, and scalability in clinical trials.
• A total of 748 RS-tDCS sessions were successfully completed across 46 patients.
• The protocol effectively eliminates the need for daily travel to clinic for stimulation.

Conclusions:

• The RS-tDCS protocol offers a viable and scalable solution for conducting tDCS clinical trials.
• This approach significantly improves patient accessibility and adherence to treatment.
• The protocol serves as a model for future tDCS research and therapeutic applications.