Clinical trials – overcoming the barriers to improved enrolment and retention

When the cold regulations and requirements of clinical trials meet the overheating elements of human behaviour, the mists of confusion and misunderstanding often prevail.

They form a recruitment and retention weather front with a negative forecast on research schedules and budgets – lifting the fog is a pharma mission for the ages.

The principle of trial enrolment received a welcome boost during COVID-19 when the public benefit of testing vaccines drew global attention and approval. Efforts are continuing to build on that base, with the UK government pouring £400m into programmes supporting clinical research.