Clinical trials are essential for advancing medical research, developing new treatments and therapies; however, did you know that one of the main challenges the industry faces is finding enough eligible volunteers to participate.
Surprisingly, around 80% of clinical trials struggle to meet their initial enrolment target on schedule1. In some cases, 50% of clinics only enrol one or no participants2.
These challenges not only impact the progress of medical research, but they also affect people looking for new treatments for their health conditions.
Here are some of the innovative ways in which MAC Clinical Research is striving to improve enrolment and make it easier for volunteers to participate.
Improving Awareness of Clinical Trials
One crucial strategy is to enhance public awareness through comprehensive outreach campaigns. Here at MAC, we are using social media, print media, radio, podcasts, local community events, and partnerships with charities and healthcare providers, to provide accessible information about the purpose, benefits, and safety of clinical trials.
To keep up to date with our latest awareness campaigns and events which MAC are attending, click on the social icons to the right of this blog.
We also believe in the power of our clinical trial participants and their own experiences, helping to share information about what is involved in a clinical trial at MAC. You can read about real experiences from our participants through the patient testimonials on our website.
Understanding of Participants’ Needs
Logistical support is another key element in encouraging participation, which begins with understanding the participant’s needs. Participating in a clinical trial can be challenging so we aim to make the process as easy as possible for people taking part.
- Transportation: We offer transportation services to the clinic if required and reimburse reasonable travel expenses you may have during your time on a clinical trial.
- Accommodation: For longer clinical trials, we provide comfortable overnight stays and meals that cater to your dietary requirements.You may be able to work remotely while staying at our clinic.
- Support: If you’re worried about attending visits alone, you are welcome to bring a family member or carer as a chaperone.
- Financial Compensation: For many of our clinical trials, we offer financial reimbursement for your time and commitment to the research.
- Flexible Scheduling: For visits to our clinics, we’ll always do our best to work around your schedule and utilise telephone or virtual appointments wherever possible.
Ensuring Diversity
All clinical trials must be conducted with fairness and equity, involving a diverse participant population that reflects the broader demographics of the communities that may benefit from the outcomes of the research.
Where possible, we are conducting clinical trials with eligibility criteria which can be applied to many people living with the condition being investigated, without compromising the trials’ safety or endpoints.
However, we understand that it can be disappointing when a clinical trial is not right for you. Therefore, we strive to keep people who are registered with MAC up to date with any new trials which they may be eligible for.
Accessible Clinics
At MAC, we have clinics across the UK, in both urban and semi-rural areas, many of which can easily be accessed by public transport and also have step-free access.
We’ll always try our best to ensure that our trials are running at clinics across the country so that a wide range of people can access them.
You can find a full list of our clinics via our website.
Retaining Participants
For the clinical trial industry as a whole, around 30% of participants drop out during the trial3. That’s why we focus on effective communication, addressing any concerns and providing ongoing support during your clinical trial journey. We continuously evaluate our processes to ensure the best possible experience for our volunteers, strive to keep you updated on the progress of the trial, and provide ongoing support during and after the trial.
Ready to make a difference?
Our friendly and welcoming team at MAC Clinical Research is dedicated to fostering an environment for people to feel comfortable and safe when taking part in a clinical trial at our clinics.
When you take part in a clinical trial with MAC, not only will you receive the utmost care from our specialist teams, but you’ll also receive a comprehensive health check-up, which may include an ECG, blood pressure, and blood tests.
If you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial at MAC, find out if there’s one suitable via our current trials webpage.
Depending on the trial, you may receive financial reimbursement for taking part. Reasonable travel expenses or transportation for clinic visits are also provided.
Join us at MAC Clinical Research and be part of the future of medicine!
Sources
1 Journal of Medical Internet Research – Online Patient Recruitment in Clinical Trials: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2 Clinical Leader – Considerations For Improving Patient Recruitment Into Clinical Trials
3 MD Group – The True Cost Of Patient Drop-outs In Clinical Trials
