Recruiting patients for clinical trials can be challenging, but effective strategies can help keep your study on track. Here are solutions to common recruitment problems:
Problem: Patients Aren't Passing the Pre-Screener
If unqualified patients are interacting with your outreach materials, it’s essential to identify which specific qualifications are causing ineligibility. Issues with age, location, and other demographics can be adjusted in ad targeting. On platforms like Facebook, fine-tune your audience settings, considering interests and online activities specific to the patient population.
Problem: Reaching Qualified Patients is Expensive
High acquisition costs can be mitigated by expanding your reach. For example, if trial sites are in low-population areas, consider broadening geographic targeting. People in rural areas may be willing to travel further. Collaborating with community groups and nonprofit organizations can also provide highly targeted outreach, resulting in a better return on investment.
Problem: Ad Engagement is Persistently Low
If ads aren’t generating sufficient interest, consider broadening your outreach. Utilize platforms like Google AdWords to target users searching for relevant keywords. Additionally, experiment with different ad designs, testing variations in images and copy to see what resonates best with your audience.
Problem: Patients Are Filling Out Your Pre-Screener but Aren't Responsive to Follow-Up
Patients may become unresponsive due to their contact preferences. Younger populations might prefer texts or emails over phone calls. Allow patients to add your call center to their contacts or schedule a time for phone validation to prepare them for the next steps.
Problem: Patients Are Passing Screening but Not Enrolling in the Trial
Enrollment hesitancy often stems from concerns about study participation. During outreach, provide comprehensive information about the study upfront, highlighting benefits, the number of site visits, and travel reimbursements. Clear, transparent communication can help alleviate concerns and encourage enrollment.
By addressing these common issues with targeted strategies, you can improve patient recruitment and ensure your clinical trial stays on track.
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