Introduction Inefficient patient recruitment slows the progress of many clinical trials. Online recruitment has the potential to alleviate some of the current delays. However, the success of this approach depends upon consumers comfort levels with the clinical trial process. Consumers need more educational resources, such as websites dedicated to providing clinical trial information.
Scope - Analysis of the trends in consumer and physician participation in, and technology use during, the clinical trial process - Examination of the impact on consumers and physicians decision making processes of improved access to clinical trial data - Review of recent government and industry initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of clinical trial data online Highlights As consumers become better educated about the clinical trial process, recruitment efforts will increasingly depend on how well sponsoring organizations meet consumers demand for a clear explanation of each trials risk-benefit ratio.
Few physicians have the free time to proactively access online information about participating in clinical trials. Therefore, peer-to-peer recruitment and invitations issued directly from sponsoring organizations will remain the most influential channels through which to recruit physicians.
An established relationship with the organization conducting the trial is an important factor in the decision making process of many surveyed consumers and physicians. Branded websites will allow pharmaceutical companies to leverage these existing relationships and improve recruiting efficiency.
Reasons to Purchase - Identify the channels through which consumers and physicians are most effectively recruited to participate in clinical trials - Evaluate what motivates consumers and physicians to look for information about, and ultimately participate in, clinical trial studies - Understand what types of content and services consumers and physicians are looking for when they go online for information about clinical trials
