Stakeholders have recognized the need for patients to be the central focus of their research and developments. As such, research shows that the main reason for low patient retention during clinical trials is that some patients receive poor service. Therefore, a reputable clinical research organization like Veristat has developed strategies to improve the patient’s experience. Some of these strategies are easy to approach, while others are logistically complex. Their implementation, however, will guarantee a huge difference in the quality of the study results. Here are some efficient ways you can improve the patient’s experience during a clinical trial:
View the patient’s experience holistically
While designing your patient’s experience, remember that little things like retaining patients will need you to pay attention to the minute details that affect them. Ensure you go through all the clinical trials protocols while taking a holistic look at everything to ensure that they are comfortable throughout the process. The individual procedure may not burden the patients but may be overwhelming if combined. Make sure you look at things, like how far the patient travels. Do they need company during the procedure? Will you need to rest after a procedure? Are they well taken care of? Ensure that the patients are well taken care of both physically and emotionally.
Explain the clinical journey to the patient early enough and often
Before a patient can consider taking part in the clinical trial, make sure they fully understand all the procedures they will have to go through. This way, they can evaluate if it’s something they want to participate in. When the patients gain enough insight into the trials, they will be more comfortable with the protocols and you’ll have high patient retention rates. Clinicians also prepare the patients and their loved ones on what to anticipate all through the journey. Increasing transparency will make your patients more comfortable.
Ask for the patient’s input in the trial
A patient-centric trial will ensure that you consider the input of the patients. The more you listen to your patients’ input, the more successful your trials are likely to be. You might also see sponsors who take advantage of some patients since they see them as desperate. However, to give your patients the best experience, you have to ensure that the patient’s needs always come first.
Use technology to ease the patients’ burden
The health industry has been forced to consider redesigning the clinical trials with the patient being the top priority. The patient’s safety is on top of the list, which means that trials need to develop ways not to expose the patients to danger. Most patients’ immunity is compromised, so in-patient visits pose a considerable risk. Using technology minimizes the visits and helps execute the trials remotely. Televisits have become more common in the recent past, allowing flexibility of the patients’ visit schedules since they do not need to travel anymore.
Clinical trial designs have changed over the past decade and are now centered around the patient. A patient-centric trial increases the patient retention rate and the trial’s overall success.
