The top patient retention strategies in clinical trials

Clinical trial recruitment is a significant challenge for sponsors as insufficient patient enrollment can account for delays in up to 80% of all studies. However, even when these studies successfully reach their randomization targets, clinical trial managers must turn their focus on retaining these participants.

Data indicates that the dropout rate for clinical trials is approximately 30%, and the cost of replacing a participant can more than double the expense of initial recruitment. However, keeping patient centricity at the forefront of clinical research project management decisions can lead to more streamlined recruitment and retention and a better experience for all involved.

Patient retention strategies for clinical trials

Offer flexibility for site visits

In a CISCRP survey aimed at better understanding the patient experience, traveling to the study site was ranked as the top burden for clinical trial participants, with the majority reporting that they had to travel 30 minutes to an hour for each site visit.

To ease the burden on participants, offering flexibility with site visits is a key strategy. This includes establishing multiple site locations near the patient population, offering flexible hours to accommodate various work schedules, and providing virtual check-in appointments for visits that don’t require any in-person actions. These measures will make it easier for patients to participate, and thus contribute to a better experience overall.

Ensure site staff are helpful and knowledgeable

After patients pass pre-screening measures, their interactions with the site staff can have a significant impact on both recruitment and retention. It’s important that site staff are personable, helpful, and knowledgeable so that they can answer questions about the study and build trust with patients. Feeling welcomed and appreciated during each visit will make the participation experience more positive and pleasant.

Offer travel programs and time compensation

Depending on the design of a research study, it is possible that patients may have to make significant sacrifices to participate. While it is best to eliminate requirements that might cause friction for patients, there are occasions where the research objectives make it necessary to impose such requirements.

In these cases, offering clinical trial participants incentives, such as travel programs and time compensation, can directly address barriers to participation. These can include transportation services, reimbursement of incurred expenses, compensation for time, or other incentives that may minimize patient burden.

Provide clear communication about the study

For many individuals participating in a clinical trial, it will be the first research study they have been involved in. Consequently, they will likely have many questions about the intent of the research, the trial process, the ultimate goal of the study, and how their participation contributes to the broader context.

Ensuring that patients fully understand the Informed Consent Form, providing clear communication during their site visits, and being available to answer questions are factors that can influence a patient’s perception of the research and the importance of their participation. 

Convey how essential patients are to research

Patients who take part in medical research are essential to scientific breakthroughs, and without successful clinical trials, it is impossible for new treatments and therapies to emerge.

For many patients who take part in trials, this sense of altruism is exactly why they participate. Therefore, treating patients with respect and reminding them of how valuable their enrollment is can provide an incentive for participants to see the trial through to its completion.

Antidote specializes in helping sponsors run patient-centric clinical trials in order to hit their research goals. Get in touch with us today to learn more.