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How a Decentralized Clinical Trial Model Can Enhance Diversity in Oncology Research
The main difference between oncology research and every other therapeutic research area is that for a cancer patient, a clinical trial is the only option left after standard of care options are exhausted. The unfortunate fact is that most cancer patients still do not have access to clinical trials as further hope for treatment because of where they live.
Increasing Diverse Clinical Populations: Geography
Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) and the digital approaches they employ bring research opportunities to a more diverse geographic population. Find out more.
Increasing Diverse Clinical Populations: Race & Ethnicity
The lack of representation and diversity in medical research is partially driven by a lack of access to clinical trials. Studies with limited diversity can create significant limitations on the conclusions drawn from study data. Attracting a diverse population of patients for a clinical trial is critical for patient health and long-term community wellness.
How to Give Your Clinical Trial Participants More Control, Convenience & Comfort
Some estimates indicate 80% of trials are delayed due to participant retention challenges. However, sponsors and CRO’s can curb this attrition by focusing their trials on patient comfort, convenience, and by ensuring they feel in control of their participation. Adopting a truly patient-centered study design means acknowledging that every patient comes in with differing needs surrounding these three tenets and addressing them throughout trial design and execution.
How do you incorporate the caregiver in your clinical trial?
Caregivers are the biggest support system for many patients and are often working adults who provide care in their off-work hours to family members, spouses or children. Caregivers also look like the elderly providing care for a spouse, parents of children with disabilities, and home health aides. It’s these responsibilities that they already face in their daily routines that are making it difficult get participants enrolled to in-clinic site visits and typically, traditional trial designs create competing priorities for caregivers and their patients.