Patient engagement is transforming clinical trials, delivering multiple benefits to both trial participants and researchers. PE has the potential to boost service provider efficiency in addition to patient health and satisfaction as a result of successful treatment. Engaging patients bridges the gap between health policy, research, and patient-centered practices, resulting in more meaningful trial outcomes. In this article, we’ll discuss the impacts of patient engagement and how it’s influencing clinical trials.
Why engage patients in the research process
When it comes to their own health, patients know best. They are the only ones who can accurately assess how researchers are balancing the ‘ask’ of the study with the difficulties of living with an illness or sickness. PE has the ability to make a big difference in study design, the clinical development consulting process, and delivery. It can also help you understand what the patient needs better. The earlier you involve patients, the greater the potential for improvement. Patients can be included in clinical development from the very beginning, preferably before the trial protocol is finalized. This allows for potential problems with the protocol to be detected and fixed before the recruitment phase of a study begins (through protocol simulations). PE has impacted clinical trials in numerous ways, which include:
Improved trial design and outcomes
Patient engagement can provide a clinical research organization with valuable insights into the patient experience, leading to more patient-centered trial designs. Patient engagement has been recognized as a crucial factor in enhancing trial design and ultimately achieving improved trial outcomes. The invaluable insights provided by patients can greatly contribute to the development of more patient-centered trial designs, that strive to prioritize the needs and perspectives of the participants. Researchers can actively involve patients in the trial design process, that way they’ll effectively ascertain that the outcomes measured throughout the trial are not only scientifically rigorous but also meaningful and relevant to the patients’ overall wellbeing and experience.
Policy and regulatory changes
Encouraging policy and regulatory changes is crucial in order to create an environment that supports and incentivizes patient engagement in clinical trials. By implementing policies that prioritize patient involvement, we can ensure that patients are able to actively participate and provide valuable insights throughout the trial process. Furthermore, involving patient perspectives in regulatory decision-making processes is of utmost importance. In so doing, you will ensure that the outcomes of these decisions are patient-centered, considering the needs, preferences, and experiences of the patients. This will not only lead to better health outcomes for patients but also enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of clinical trials.
Use of technology and digital solutions
With the rapid advancement of technology, healthcare professionals have recognized its potential in improving patient engagement and overall healthcare outcomes. One way you can use technology is through the implementation of remote monitoring systems to closely monitor patients’ conditions. Through collecting data on vital signs, medication adherence, and symptoms, healthcare professionals can easily detect any changes or issues in real time, ensuring timely interventions and preventing any potential complications. Additionally, virtual trial participation has emerged as a digital solution in the realm of clinical research, promoting remote patient participation in clinical trials through telemedicine platforms. This not only eliminates geographical limitations but also increases accessibility and convenience for patients, enhancing patient recruitment and overall trial efficiency.
Patient engagement can help improve clinical trials. To make sure you get these benefits going forward, you should consider using this method in future trials.
