Talking HealthTech: 374 – Evrima vs Captain America: Beating stereotypes with a punch to the facts

Clinical trial recruitment is a complex field, presenting both challenges and opportunities for innovation. Ben McEvoy from Evrima recently spoke with Peter Birch on the Talking HealthTech podcast about the key considerations surrounding this topic, from participant motivation to the role of technology in transforming recruitment processes.

The Importance of Participant Motivation

Why Motivation Matters: In successful clinical trials, participant motivation is just as critical as eligibility. Often clinicians can identify potential participants, but if these individuals aren’t motivated, the recruitment effort falls flat.

Physician Influence: When doctors recommend trials, patients are more likely to consider participation. Such recommendations can make a notable difference in recruitment numbers.

Scalability Issues: The localised focus of smaller practices and patient numbers complicates the scaling up of physician-led recruitment.

The Global Dimension of Clinical Trials

International Presence: Trials increasingly operate in multiple countries, including Australia, Singapore, and the United States. This international focus can open up more opportunities for effective research.

USA as a Research Hub: The U.S. conducts a significant proportion of global clinical trials. However, other regions like Australia are catching up due to their stable healthcare systems and tech-savvy populations.

Australia’s Competitive Edge: Research in Australia is appealing for many reasons, such as a stable healthcare system, technology adoption rates, and governmental support for R&D.

Addressing Recruitment Challenges: A Technology-Driven Approach

The Birth of New Strategies: Some companies aim to tackle the global recruitment challenge by leveraging technology to simplify and enhance the process.

The Global Struggle: A majority of trials face delays or cancellations due to insufficient recruitment numbers, making this a universal issue.

Role of Technology: Advanced tech solutions are seen as the way forward, enabling broader reach and more effective selection methods compared to traditional approaches.

Refining Recruitment and Retention

Criteria and Selection: A robust selection process underpins any successful trial. Real-time data and continuous feedback loops can adjust strategies to capture a more diverse participant base.

Keeping Participants Engaged: Retaining trial participants is vital for success. A supportive community and ongoing engagement can make a difference.

Public Perception: Negative public opinion can seriously hamper recruitment efforts. The need for awareness campaigns targeted at the general public and healthcare professionals is evident.

Conclusion

Tackling the complexities of clinical trial recruitment requires a multi-faceted approach. Participant motivation, global reach, and the use of technology are pivotal aspects in modernising this field. As healthcare evolves, a collaborative effort involving technology companies, clinicians, and policy-makers will be key to advancing clinical trials and enhancing the development of new treatments.

_{Source talkinghealthtech.com}