4 ways research sites can streamline clinical trial patient enrollment

While randomizing patients into a clinical trial is a key part of advancing medical breakthroughs, reaching adequate patient enrollment numbers still poses a challenge for sponsors, sites, and research staff. It is not uncommon for trials to close due to a lack of enrollment, which results in significant costs, wasted resources, and stifled research advancement. 

While some of the factors impacting patient enrollment are not ones that can be influenced at the site level, there are still many ways that sites can take a proactive role in improving clinical trial patient enrollment numbers. Through strategic action and a patient-centric focus, sites can streamline their enrollment process and reduce their workload, all while helping medical research advance.

How research sites can improve clinical trial enrollment

Implement a pre-screening process in place to evaluate patients early on

In a recent report from Tufts CSDD, it was found that the average screen failure rate for patients was over 36%. Failures at the site level can represent an unnecessary drain on the time and resources of the site staff, with some estimates putting the cost of site failure at $1,200 per patient. Though some screen failures are inevitable, implementing a pre-screening process based on the trial’s inclusion and exclusion criteria can significantly reduce the likelihood of bringing patients to the site if they are ultimately ineligible. 

Contact patient referrals quickly

After a patient passes the pre-screening process and is referred to the site, it is important to follow up with them quickly, while their familiarity with the trial is still high. In addition to getting in touch with patients in a timely manner, reaching out to them in multiple ways can increase patient centricity — depending on work or other factors, it may be easier for referrals to get in touch via text or email instead of a phone call.

Utilize a site portal to keep patient information organized

Study sites have an abundance of information to keep track of, and staying organized is integral to keeping research on track. A comprehensive site portal can make this process much easier by streamlining the storage of patient information, including notifications about new referrals, visit scheduling, lab values, and more.

Provide patients with information and flexible scheduling

In a recent report from CISCRP, clinical trial participants ranked “being informed of the clinical research progress on a regular basis” as a key factor in their continued participation in a study, second only to experiencing a benefit from the study drug. Third on the list was having flexible options when scheduling study visits. Keeping patients informed about research progress, and providing visit options for people who work difficult hours or have outstanding responsibilities, can make all the difference when it comes to patient enrollment and retention.

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