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ADAPT

Case Study

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  • Providing empathetic, human-led patient support
  • Retention of all patients enrolled
  • Managing cross-border referrals and complex logistics
  • Highly positive participant feedback

Overview

VCTC was engaged by a US based biotech company to support an ultra-rare disease roll-over, clinical study aimed at continuing patient access to treatment prior to drug registration. The study required the recruitment and enrolment of six adult patients, with varying stages of disease progression and significant physical restrictions.

The study involved two phases: an intensive 5-week on-site monitoring phase to ensure patient safety, followed by a long-term self-administration phase where participants would manage their treatments at home. The participants, located across the UK, were highly research-knowledgeable but had previous, poor trial experiences in the past.

The project posed significant challenges, including:

• Managing cross-border referrals.

• Minimising travel burden for patients.

• Ensuring patient retention despite previous negative experiences.

• Addressing logistical complexities related to remote and community-based clinic setup.

Tactics

  • Limiting Travel Burdens: Established accessible, low-cost, community-based clinics tailored to each individual patient’s location
  • Empathetic Patient Care: Delivered a human-led experience, actively listening to patients and adapting to their needs, such as sourcing different-sized needles and providing mini fridges for medication storage
  • Accessible and Comfortable Clinics: Designed clinics to meet patient needs, including spaces with natural light to accommodate deteriorating vision and sufficient waiting room space for carers
  • Streamlined Logistics Management: Coordinated cross-border referrals and managed complex travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and taxis, to minimise inconvenience
  • Proactive Financial Management: Ensured timely and accurate payments, offering patients direct access to a dedicated team member for any queries
  • Personalised Patient Relationships: Fostered strong relationships with participants, emphasising understanding and consistent communication
  • Adaptable Vendor Partnerships: Collaborated with highly responsive and reliable logistics vendors to ensure clinic materials and resources were always available on time

Outcomes

  • Successfully enrolled and retained all six patients, surpassing recruitment expectations
  • Provided access to treatment for patients in countries where access was previously unavailable
  • Received highly positive feedback from participants and Sponsor due to the empathetic and tailored care approach
  • Established an efficient, low-burden, low-cost, logistical system, maintaining patient satisfaction and safety throughout the study
  • Over-recruited for the study while ensuring high retention and compliance rates

Have Questions?

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