Clinical trials are challenging—and they should be. Testing medicines on human participants demands rigor and precision. But too often, the biggest hurdles aren’t about improving safety or compliance. Instead, trial leaders are stuck grappling with avoidable issues like high dropout rates, compliance gaps, and unreliable data. These inefficiencies don’t just slow progress—they make trials more costly and less effective at achieving their goals.
These challenges might feel overwhelming, but they’re also solvable. The right tools and strategies can help trial leaders tackle patient engagement, protocol adherence, and data quality—turning common obstacles into opportunities for better outcomes.
That’s exactly what we created our new eBook, “From Retention to Results: A Guide to Patient Engagement, Compliance, and Data Quality in Clinical Trials.”
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the insights and actionable solutions you’ll find inside.
Retention: Why Patients Drop Out and How to Keep Them Engaged
It’s no secret that patient retention is one of the biggest hurdles in clinical trials. Every dropout doesn’t just represent a lost participant—it’s also lost time, additional recruitment costs, and compromised data integrity. And let’s be honest, asking patients to stay committed for months or even years isn’t easy.
So, what makes patients leave? The reasons vary—from logistical headaches like travel and time commitments to a lack of motivation or understanding of their role in the trial.
What Can You Do About It
Retention starts with engagement. Tools like gamification—think progress tracking, badges, or rewards—can give patients a sense of accomplishment. When participants see how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture, they’re more likely to stay involved.
Take Replior Trial Online® ePRO, for example. It uses gamification features to make participation feel less like a chore and more like a collaborative effort, keeping patients motivated every step of the way.
Compliance: Making It Easy for Patients to Do the Right Thing
When it comes to compliance, making it easier for patients is key. It’s not just about following protocols; it’s about removing barriers that make staying compliant harder than it needs to be. For patients, that often means reducing travel, simplifying processes, and offering tools that fit into their daily lives.
Non-compliance isn’t just frustrating; it’s costly. Missed appointments, skipped medication, or incomplete patient-reported outcomes can derail your trial and delay results.
How Do You Fix This?
Enter ePRO and integrated sensors. These tools are game-changers when it comes to compliance. By allowing patients to report outcomes from home or collect data passively (think wearables), they make it easier for patients to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
The result? Fewer missed data points, better adherence to protocols, and a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Data Quality: Why It’s Non-Negotiable
At the heart of every clinical trial is data. Without reliable, high-quality data, even the most well-designed trials risk falling apart. Poor data collection methods can lead to gaps, errors, or inconsistencies, jeopardizing the integrity of your results.
How Do You Ensure Quality?
Start by reducing the burden on patients. Tools like Replior’s integrated UV sensor, for instance, capture data passively, requiring minimal effort from participants while ensuring accuracy. Pairing these tools with user-friendly Trial Online® ePRO creates a seamless process that benefits both patients and trial managers.
It’s all about making it easier for patients to do their part while ensuring the data you collect is reliable and complete.
Building Trust with Patients
Trust is the foundation of a successful clinical trial. Patients who feel valued and informed are far more likely to stay engaged and follow protocols. But trust doesn’t just happen—it’s built through transparency and meaningful communication.
How Do You Build It?
Direct communication from Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and study managers can go a long way toward building trust. Trial Online® ePRO makes this possible by enabling experts to share videos and messages that explain the study’s purpose, goals, and the importance of patient participation.
This approach helps patients see the bigger picture and feel connected to the trial’s mission. Paired with gamification features like progress trackers and badges, it turns participation into a collaborative effort, fostering both trust and long-term commitment.
Ready to Learn More?
Improving retention, patient compliance, and data quality isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating trials that run smoother, cost less, and deliver better results. If you’re ready to tackle these challenges head-on, our eBook is your next step.
Informed from decades of Replior’s experience, it’s a practical guide for clinical trial leaders looking for real-world solutions.
