So-called patient-centric clinical trials are key to broadening participation, most experts agree. However, it begins to get a little dicey as soon as the term is lifted off the dictionary definition page and placed in the real world. Clinical trial leaders from across the spectrum discussed the importance of getting it done right during an online chat event sponsored by Outsourcing-Pharma.com on April 9.
“Keeping the patient experience at the center of every clinical trial activity is [the philosophy] at the core of patient centricity,” said chat participant Jim Kremidas, executive director of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). Taking the concept beyond the buzzword level, though, requires specific actions, he added. Examples: Allowing patients to give input on protocol design, sharing trial results with patients, and improving the patient experience at the trial site.
Kremidas also stressed the importance of professionalizing the clinical trial workforce by establishing standards and certifications to remove some of the variables from clinical trials. “Professionalizing the clinical trial workforce with standards and certifications could have a significant impact in speeding trials [and] making them more efficient, safer, and less expensive,” he said.
Other experts from organizations whose missions touch on patient centricity weighed in during the forum.
Ensuring the design, delivery and engagement occurs with the patient perspective in mind, recognizing all patients are not the same— different needs and interests come into play with each. #ACRP2019 #TrialChat
— GGIgreatergift (@GGIgreatergift) April 9, 2019
A1: Patient centricity recognizes that the patient is a partner in advancing health. They’re not a subject! They are the focus and central light. #clinicaltrial #TrialChat
— Greenphire (@GreenphireINC) April 9, 2019
Participants also discussed stubborn barriers to greater patient participation in trials, including distance from facilities and lack of adequate industry education.
A5: It’s not always easy to reach a trial site. Many potential participants don’t understand what a clinical trial entails. #TrialChat
— ACRP (@ACRPDC) April 9, 2019
Q5, two of many: 1) lack of awareness; patients do not know about clinical research or specific trials. 2) Lack of awareness and referrals from primary care physicians (if they are not PIs).
— Velocity Clinical Research (@velocitycr) April 9, 2019
To view the entire thread, go to: https://twitter.com/OutsourcPharma
Author: Michael Causey
