Patient Recruitment, Retention & Engagement
Clinical Trial Network supports our clinical teams in providing creative ways to recruit patients.
Recruitment is conducted through our EMR built-in screening system, which screens through our existing database of over 22,000 patients. We also work with third parties to recruit and provide out-of-practice patients from our diverse community, opted-in database, and other proven recruitment channels.​
Recruitment:
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The Call Center is the first point of contact for the patient recruitment process. Our staff obtains health information via a phone screen. The data is then processed and filtered to assess which trial would be appropriate for the patient. Once a trial is identified, our staff can set the first appointment for screening.
Our recruitment strategies and resources include:
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Calling, texting, email campaigns
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Chart and medical records review
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Investigator’s internal patient database
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TV, radio, local newspapers
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Social media ads: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter
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Referral networks, referral emails/letters to selected hospitals/general practice clinics
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Brochures, flyers, and posters inside multi-specialty practice
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Patient-to-patient referrals
Retention:
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Our staff is engaging, knowledgeable, and welcoming
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Keep patients updated on their health, medical condition(s), and progress of study (consistent communication)
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Outpatient volunteers have staff personnel they can reach for questions or emergencies
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Results can be sent to PCP upon request
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Make patients feel appreciated: thank you cards/notes, follow-up for another study, birthday cards/emails, newsletters
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Visit reminders: phone call, text messages, and emails prior to next visit
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Identify patients who need transportation assistance to prevent cancellations
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Compliance reminders
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Educational support throughout study
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Ensure payments are processed timely
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24-hour general inquiry response
Engagement:
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CTN is constantly looking to grow our referral network by hosting Lunch and Learns with area physicians to educate them regarding current clinical studies.
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We maintain great relationships with the following organizations to help achieve our target study volunteers:
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Support Groups - Members and volunteers for local chapters of disease specific support groups
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Health Fairs - Periodic general health screenings performed by our network of physicians
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Senior living facilities - Good rapport with staff and residents of 20+ locations
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Nursing homes - Close association with the nursing staff, case workers, and administration of 20+ locations