Research Shows Link Between Patient Recruitment Methods and Retention

Research from MediciGlobal shows that patients who actively sought clinical trial involvement through its online recruitment model had a 38% lower relative risk of drop out across four studies compared to those who were recruited by sites, with divergence across visits. The primary outcome for the meta-analysis measure was retention rates of subjects recruited comparing the two methods of engagement, online versus site databases.  A secondary outcome was retention rates across all study visits to determine divergence patterns between the two groups.

The firm noted in a press release that higher retention levels of subjects actively engaged in seeking out a clinical trial compared to those who were passively engaged via the physician or study staff may be related to different motivations between the groups of patients. This may be due to the company's online process in which patients seeking the study online must also undergo a comprehensive vetting procedure. The company says additional research is necessary to further understand the drivers of these differences. 

Read the full release here.