5 Tactics to Boost Patient Recruitment in Trials

Clinical trials often face a major hurdle: patient recruitment. Delays in patient enrollment can disrupt timelines and escalate costs, with global data indicating over 80% of trials experience such setbacks. While increasing researcher compensation or patient incentives is a straightforward fix, it poses a significant financial burden for sponsors. This article outlines five cost-effective operational tactics to address patient recruitment challenges without excessive spending.

1. Expand Site Networks

• Consider opening additional clinical trial sites if initial sites struggle to recruit.
• Partner with hospitals or specialized centers with experience in the target indication or a robust patient pool.
• Note: New site activation requires IRB approval and contracts, so close coordination with a CRO is recommended.

2. Leverage Researcher Networks

• Patient recruitment heavily relies on researcher engagement.
• Conduct meetings to reinforce study goals and offer non-monetary incentives (e.g., publication opportunities, co-authorship).
• Collaborate with related departments (e.g., oncology and gastroenterology) to tap into new patient groups.

3. Develop Patient-Friendly Materials

• Complex recruitment notices, brochures, or consent forms can deter patients.
• Use simple language, infographics, and FAQs to improve understanding and boost enrollment.
• Online explainer videos or SNS campaigns can lower participation barriers effectively.

4. Utilize Digital Recruiting Channels

• Beyond traditional networks, leverage patient communities, forums, and targeted SNS ads to widen reach.
• Digital approaches are particularly effective for rare diseases or younger patients.
• Ensure ads comply with IRB approval, requiring pre-planning with a CRO.

5. Review Eligibility Criteria

• Overly strict inclusion/exclusion criteria often hinder recruitment.
• Collaborate with sponsors, researchers, and regulators to adjust criteria while maintaining scientific validity.
• For example, relaxing restrictions on comorbidities or co-medications can improve enrollment rates.

Conclusion

Patient recruitment is pivotal to clinical trial success. Rather than waiting out delays, employ a multi-faceted approach—site expansion, researcher engagement, patient-friendly materials, digital channels, and criteria review. Intoinworld offers tailored recruitment strategies and operational support. Facing recruitment challenges? Contact us for expert assistance!