Strategies for more effective patient recruitment and retention in clinical trials

: A Canadian dermatological site perspective

Abstract

Patient recruitment is one of the key considerations in successful completion of clinical trials, with recruitment efforts resulting in a carefully selected sample of participants whose participation in a trial produces quality data regarding safety and efficacy of the investigational product in question. However, recruitment targets are commonly not met in a satisfactory number or a timely manner, leading to prolonged study timelines, increased costs, compromised data quality, and reduced power of statistical analysis. This predicament calls for the identification and development of effective strategies for maximizing the output of recruitment efforts. This paper delves into the most effective recruitment strategies that can be employed at any study site, by carefully examining data gathered from three selected studies conducted in a dermatology clinic in Canada in the period from study start through 31 July 2022. The results suggest that identification of patients through in-clinic referrals is the most efficient recruitment strategy, with the highest percentage of patients qualifying and enrolling compared to those identified through internal and centralized advertising. Even though this paper recognizes internal and centralized advertising as effective strategies in facilitating patient recruitment, in-person referrals come to light as the most promising strategy with highest output of qualified patients. This paper also reflects on the study design considerations as limiting factors to patient recruitment, with strict eligibility criteria and involvement of placebo in the study design being identified as the major hindrance to patient enrolment and potential areas of interest for improving recruitment rates. Finally, patient-centric approach employed throughout the study duration emerges as a response to the challenge of patient retention. Building a trusting patient-study staff relationship from the beginning of the recruitment and nurturing that bond throughout the study duration surface as effective strategies to overcoming both recruitment and retention challenges in the conduct of clinical trials.

Date of Award	16 Sept 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Namur
Supervisor	Jean-Pierre Gillet (Supervisor)