Clinical research is a dynamic field where success hinges on efficient patient recruitment and retention. The last mile of a clinical trial, often overlooked, is where trials can either flourish or falter. Inadequate recruitment can lead to costly delays and hinder the progress of potentially life-changing treatments.
To navigate this critical phase effectively, stakeholders must embrace real-world data (RWD), advanced analytics, and modern technology. By leveraging these tools, sponsors, sites, and researchers can transform traditional obstacles into opportunities for accelerated approval, equitable access, and groundbreaking innovation.
The Last Mile: Where Trials Triumph or Tumble
The last mile of a clinical trial is not just a formality; it is a make-or-break stage. Failure to recruit the right patients or activate the right sites can result in significant delays and financial losses for sponsors. Research indicates that 11% of sites enroll no patients, and 37% under-enroll, highlighting the urgency of addressing recruitment challenges. Every day a drug is delayed can cost sponsors up to $8 million in lost revenue, underscoring the need for efficient patient enrollment strategies.
To overcome these challenges, a proactive approach informed by data and analytics is essential. By redefining site identification through RWD, sponsors can pinpoint high-potential sites and engage them strategically to streamline enrollment and improve diversity.
Redefine Site Identification with Data, Not Guesswork
Traditional site identification methods often rely on past performance and familiarity, leading to missed opportunities and limited diversity. By harnessing RWD to identify patient populations and activate sites based on real-world data, sponsors can enhance enrollment efficiency and representation.
Key tactics for effective site identification include precision cohort identification, patient-first site strategy, diversity by design, and smart activation. By prioritizing sites based on real-time data and patient demographics, sponsors can accelerate activation, improve enrollment, and ensure broader representation in clinical trials.
Revolutionize Patient Recruitment and Retention
Recruiting qualified patients is a persistent challenge in clinical research, exacerbated by high dropout rates and preventable issues. To address these challenges, sponsors can leverage RWD, AI, and patient-focused tools to streamline recruitment and enhance retention.
Effective strategies for patient recruitment and retention include federated networks, artificial intelligence, digital waiting rooms, interactive dashboards, hybrid trial models, and engagement apps. By combining clinical insight with digital convenience, sponsors can attract and retain participants more effectively, ultimately improving trial outcomes.
Learn from the Front Lines
Leading organizations are already reaping the benefits of data-driven strategies in clinical research. For example, a U.S. academic medical center successfully overcame enrollment challenges in lupus trials by leveraging federated RWD and AI to enhance patient engagement. Similarly, a research team accelerated screening and improved trial feasibility in myeloma trials by adopting a patient-centric, data-first approach.
The Future Is Federated, Predictive, and Patient-First
The last mile of a clinical trial presents complex challenges but also holds immense potential for innovation. By embracing RWD, intelligent tools, and patient-centric strategies, clinical teams can streamline timelines, control costs, and enhance access to transformative therapies.
To explore how a data-first strategy can help conquer the last mile of clinical trials, download TriNetX’s guidebook, “Bridging the Last Mile.” This resource offers insights into achieving smarter, faster, and more inclusive clinical trials through innovative data-driven approaches.
