Activating Patient Participation In Clinical Trials

By Sheela Gallardo, Sr Dir, Medical Affairs, Medical Affairs & Services, and Karen Townsend, RN, BA, Sr Dir, Medical Affairs, Medical Affairs & Services, IQVIA

For many years, clinical trial sponsors primarily relied on information from internal experts, doctors, and academics to grasp the patient's perspective. However, the research and development industry has recently shifted its focus. Instead of just developing drugs for patients, the industry now aims to develop drugs with patients. This change acknowledges that patients and caregivers possess an unparalleled understanding of their own needs and challenges. Furthermore, it recognizes that if patients are asked to dedicate their time and health to research, the industry must reciprocate by treating them as active partners in the process.

Today, patients are taking a more proactive role in managing their healthcare. They are openly sharing their thoughts, particularly regarding what encourages or discourages their participation in vital clinical research. This presents a significant opportunity for trial sponsors, clinical research organizations (CROs), and study teams to incorporate valuable patient insights into trial design strategies. Doing so can enhance the patient experience and improve health outcomes.

The key question for sponsors and CROs is how to effectively gather patient insights and integrate them into trial design to address recruitment and engagement challenges. There's no single solution; rethinking the trial experience from the patient's viewpoint requires a multifaceted approach. This e-book explores five notable strategies that sponsors, CROs, and study teams are using to boost trial participation and engagement by collaborating with patients as partners.