Transforming Effective Patient Recruitment Within The Changing Health Care Landscape

By Altair Silva, executive director & head of LOCATE, Sarah Rudoph, vice president & head of data capabilities, and Zhe Rachel Angerer, head of patient recruitment global marketing operations, PPD clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Clinical trial recruitment is facing a critical stagnation: despite decades of effort, only 5% of eligible patients ever enroll. This paper identifies rising trial complexities and patient burdens as primary barriers to participation. To solve this, the PPD clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific proposes a paradigm shift toward data-driven, patient-centric strategies that meet individuals where they are in their healthcare journeys.

The future of enrollment lies in digital health integration and advanced technology. By leveraging data-driven insights, sponsors can move beyond traditional, passive recruitment. The piece highlights how modernized targeting, optimized channel mixes, and advanced data capabilities are essential for accelerating enrollment and improving retention in an increasingly complex landscape. Ultimately, transforming recruitment requires bridging the divide between clinical research and daily healthcare through innovative digital ecosystems, ensuring life-changing therapies reach the patients who need them most.