Ever heard of “patient-centric”? It means putting patients’ need first in medicine, especially new treatments. This helps doctors and pharma companies understand what really matters to patients. Putting patients first by developing models that can gather their insights during clinical development and putting those insights into practice can help find unmet needs in the healthcare industry.
But how can pharma companies make their clinical trials more patient-friendly?
Be open and transparent
Transparency and setting up open, communication allow patients to connect with healthcare professionals effortlessly. It includes creating an environment where patients feel comfortable expressing their concerns, asking questions, and taking part proactively during the trials. Moreover, throughout the clinical development, providing clear and understandable information about the trial, its process, potential risks involved and its purpose allows patients to make informed decisions. This can be achieved by surveying patients and their caregivers, either in person, over the call, or via secure platforms. This personalization can make patients feel valued as individuals.
Give patients the information they need
Patient centricity in clinical development is all about developing models that revolve around patients and how informed they are about the process. Though information about clinical trials and medical processes is often provided to the patients, most of it is riddled with complicated medical terminology and jargon that an average person finds hard to understand. This language barrier can make it difficult for patients who want to understand the trials. Instead of relying on technical terms, use language that is easy to understand, relatable, correct, fair, and empathetic. Furthermore, this information should be presented in a language that patients from different communities and backgrounds can easily understand. It can also be diagrams, charts, and colourful brochures.
Work with patient advocates
While providing clear information and setting up communication modes is important, so is collaborating with patient advocacy organizations. These organizations work towards improving patient care and prioritize their needs and preferences. Partnering with them can open sides of patient care and how patients might respond to the trials. Working with these associations can empower pharma companies with insights into logistics and challenges patients face during and after trials, such as the unaffordability of medicine, transportation, childcare coverage, etc. By understanding these barriers, companies can adapt their trial and processes in a way that is more aligned with patient needs.
Empower patients through technology
Healthcare and pharma are undergoing a major facelift. With the implementation of innovative technology and AI concepts, EHRs, telehealth, and apps, multiple ways are being introduced to empower patients who take part in clinical trials. For the most part, the easy accessibility to a wealth of information available online, including articles, videos, and graphics, can help patients understand the trials and pharma solutions and empower patients to make informed decisions. Moreover, it connects them with support groups, patient advocates, and peers who share similar experiences, ask questions and share tips. Besides, as technology and digital experiences dominate our daily lives, providers can help remote monitoring through wearables, virtual calls, and digital health trackers. These virtual care options not only provide convenience to patients but also allow providers to reach a broader set of patient population.
Listen to the patients before, during, and after
One-way clinical trials, where patients’ needs and feedback aren’t considered, can have several consequences for both patients and the pharma companies. It can also affect the success and ethnicity of the trails. Accepting feedback and communicating with patients as the trial begins helps make them more patient-centric. It could include surveys, feedback forms, and dedicated groups where patients have open opportunities to share their experiences, thoughts, and concerns. Additionally, providers need to show a willingness to listen and respond to patients with empathy. It can help find possible challenges and barriers and improve trial processes.
Patient centricity in clinical trials has become more of a necessity for the pharma industry and drug manufacturers. However, it requires a concentrated effort from the providers to ensure patients understand that improving clinical trials is equivalent to improving healthcare. It can drive a huge shift in the right direction in the industry.