5 Common Gaps Between Patient Referral And Screening That Derail Trials

Clinical trial recruitment doesn’t fail at the top of the funnel — it breaks down in the final stretch between referral and screening. Despite strong patient interest, as many as 40% of qualified referrals never make it to their first visit due to avoidable friction points.

Financial burden is often the first barrier, with patients expected to cover travel and wait weeks for reimbursement. At the same time, site coordinators face mounting administrative demands that delay follow-up when timing matters most. Add in fragmented vendor systems, long travel distances, and unclear payment processes, and patient momentum quickly disappears.

Addressing these gaps requires rethinking how logistics, payments, and site workflows are managed. A more integrated approach reduces friction, improves coordination, and keeps patients engaged through this critical transition. Explore how closing the referral-to-screening gap can protect enrollment timelines and improve trial outcomes.