Confident Rapid Recruitment in Dermatology Clinical Trials
Case Study
- Well established database of trial ready participants
- Generic digital outreach to target specific indications
- Flexible site models built around community clinics
- Expert involvement enhances recruitment and retention
Overview
VCTC has consistently delivered rapid and reliable recruitment for dermatology clinical trials through pre-screening, digital engagement, and flexible trial models. Recruiting for dermatology studies poses unique challenges, as many skin conditions, while impactful, are not considered urgent medical concerns. Unlike other therapeutic areas, participants may struggle to take extended time off work for in-person studies, making recruitment and retention particularly challenging.
By leveraging proactive recruitment strategies, digital outreach, and accessible site models, VCTC ensures efficient, scalable recruitment and high patient retention.
Key Challenges included:
• Ensuring a steady pipeline of eligible participants within tight timelines.
• Retaining participants in studies lasting several months.
• Overcoming accessibility barriers, as many cannot take extended time off work.
Tactics
- Digital Marketing & Pre-Marketing Outreach: Reached a nationwide audience, building a pre-screened patient database before trial activation.
- Flexible Site Models: Community-based and virtual trial options for improved accessibility.
- Expert-Led Recruitment Strategy: Dermatology specialist Dr. Kashini Andrew tailored strategies for empathetic care and patient commitment.
- Work-from-Clinic Setup: Provided WiFi and a comfortable environment to accommodate participants' work needs.
- Patient-Centric Approach: Created a welcoming experience with tea, biscuits, and friendly engagement from approachable staff.
Outcomes
- One study achieved 22 pre-screened patients, exceeding the target of 4.
- An ongoing study has 25 pre-screened patients already, well ahead of the target of 10, to be achieved in nine months' time.
- Recruitment timelines accelerated with pre-screened patients ready before trial approval.
- Strong retention rates driven by expert involvement and patient-focused trial models.
- A scalable and repeatable strategy delivering consistent success across dermatology trials.
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