Transparency and remote options key in clinical trial engagement

Conducted with 136 US-based participants across multiple health conditions, the survey found that 63% said they would be more likely to join a trial if telehealth options were available.

The company suggests this shift could help address logistical challenges, making participation possible without the need for extensive travel or in-person visits. The option to use telehealth can simplify patients’ involvement and reduce disruptions to their daily lives.

Transparency and privacy emerged as top concerns among respondents. Nearly 76% of participants indicated that clear information about trial procedures, including study goals and processes, would make them more likely to engage in clinical research. Additionally, about 87% wanted to know who has access to their health data, underscoring a widespread emphasis on data security and transparent handling practices as essential to fostering patient trust and engagement in clinical studies.

All respondents indicated they felt ‘comfortable’ using technology for data submission, though none expressed being ‘very comfortable’. This points to a need for user-friendly digital tools and further support to increase participant confidence with technology in trials, especially as more studies integrate remote and digital data capture methods.

The study’s findings align with the healthcare sector’s broader shift toward digital health services, a trend that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. He notes that patients now value virtual options in clinical settings, and applying these principles to clinical trials can help build a more inclusive and responsive research environment.

“The COVID-19 pandemic opened doors for telehealth in clinical practice, showing us that healthcare can be flexible, accessible, and meet patients where they are,” said Meri Beckwith, co-founder of Lindus Health.

“It’s no surprise that in clinical trials, too, patients now favor virtual options that fit seamlessly into their lives. Some sponsors have gone back to mandating in-person visits for all assessments. We think the optimal approach utilizes virtual visits where possible in a trial, alongside site visits.” 

The company intends to apply these insights to improve clinical trial designs, combining remote and in-person visits to better accommodate participants’ needs. By focusing on patients’ preferences for transparency and convenience, Lindus Health aims to optimize recruitment and retention strategies, helping to create trials that are both efficient and supportive of patient needs. The goal is to make clinical trials a viable and appealing option for a more diverse range of participants, ultimately contributing to better research outcomes and broader patient representation.