| Alan Morgan of ICON Clinical Research, Europe, assesses how best to implement new standards in patient recruitment in order to achieve beneficial and effective practice
The patient recruitment methods increasingly being used by CROs involve a more scientific and targeted approach, which should become a new standard for best practice within the industry. This approach involves the use of a comprehensive in-house database covering a wide range of countries and therapeutic indications, and also includes performance data on investigators. By systematically searching the database at both a macro (country) and micro (within a specific country) level, a CRO can start the process to identify the best countries, sites and investigators in order to ensure optimum patient recruitment for a client.
The use of performance data is a major step forward in terms of how CROs operate. This approach relies on both the quality and quantity of the data in the database; it can therefore be used most effectively by larger CROs that have more extensive global and therapeutic indication coverage. Traditional feasibility studies are still required, but the focus on investigator performance can make this approach much more effective in identifying motivated investigators who have access to appropriate patients. PREPARING THE DELIVERY STRATEGY
In order to successfully execute and deliver an effective clinical trial programme, a CRO needs to invest considerable time and effort preparing a delivery strategy prior to being awarded a contract. The most important part of this process is the initial identification of the best investigator sites in an attempt to ensure optimum patient recruitment. This process is aided by having experienced and empowered project managers in charge of patient recruitment. Other key aspects are to have contingency plans in place in order to deal with any problems or issues that may arise, and a ‘toolkit’ of tactics and approaches to enhance patient recruitment. |
