How to increase patient recruitment in clinical trials

There are several ways to increase patient recruitment in clinical trials — from improving outreach materials to better patient communications to working with partners, there are many options for connection. However, for smart recruitment, the first step is to figure out why outreach efforts aren't working in order to find which solution has the best chance of attracting more interested, eligible patients to a trial.

Tips for increasing clinical trial patient recruitment 

Step 1: Diagnose the problem.

Before changing recruitment efforts, identify where outreach is going wrong more precisely. Are patients clicking on ads but not filling out a prescreener? Are patients expressing interest in the trial but not answering their phones? Or are patients not clicking on ads to begin with? Pinpointing the problem can help identify the right solution and avoid wasting more time or money without a clear strategy.

You can also look for clues about how patients interact with ads. Are there confused questions on Facebook posts? Do patients who land on the page then immediately leave? These may indicate issues with messaging, such as unclear ad copy or a confusing landing page that needs to be addressed.

Step 2: Create a better experience for patients.

After understanding where outreach is going wrong, it's possible to start testing solutions. If there are additional approved options for outreach materials, test different combinations that may more clearly emphasize the benefits of joining the trial or clarify information about participating. Try including the information most pertinent to patients, such as where the trial is located, to increase recruitment. If patients aren't answering their phones for a follow-up call, try texting or emailing in addition to calling, or leave the number so they can reach back out at their convenience. 

Step 3: Connect with local partners.

Connecting with local partners is one way to expand reach if digital efforts aren't working well. Health nonprofits and patient advocates may be willing to share trial information with their communities, and it may help to understand what factors patients may consider when participating in a clinical trial.

Step 4: Access a patient database or work with a recruitment company.

Another option besides running patient outreach is to work with a recruitment company. Some recruitment companies maintain databases of patients who have already expressed interest in participating in a clinical trial, so they may be more likely to participate in your opportunity. Recruitment companies may also have more experience managing digital outreach or have relationships with nonprofit or patient advocacy partners. If you are considering working with a recruitment company, look at these 10 questions we recommend asking to help you find the right fit for your trial.

Step 5: Update the sponsor on challenges at your site.

If patients don't qualify for your trial because of specific eligibility criteria, consider sharing this feedback with the sponsor. If the trial criteria are too restrictive, working around other outreach efforts can be challenging. Patient advocates or an experienced patient recruitment company may be able to help in those cases, too.

And remember, one of the best ways to support recruitment before you even launch your campaigns is to create a thorough plan in advance. Download our detailed template to start prepping for your next trial.