Clinical Trial Design Strategies To Improve Patient Retention

While clinical trial planning often emphasizes rapid enrollment, sustained patient retention is equally vital to success. Industry data shows up to 30% of participants drop out before completion, jeopardizing timelines, budgets, and data integrity. 20/20 Onsite offers a proven retention-first model that reduces dropout rates to just 9%. This approach embeds retention into the trial design itself—before protocols are finalized—focusing on convenience, trust-building, and personalized care. By addressing logistical barriers, maintaining consistent staffing, and aligning trial operations with patient realities, 20/20 Onsite ensures higher compliance and engagement.

Key strategies include mobile assessments, flexible scheduling, and dedicated patient support. These operational innovations lead to measurable outcomes: improved retention, reduced costs, and more reliable data. The takeaway is clear—designing trials around the patient experience from the outset is not optional; it’s foundational. Early engagement with patient-centric vendors can transform trial feasibility, accelerate timelines, and safeguard scientific integrity.